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Interesting facts & tidbits on Polynesia |
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Polynesia
The unofficial island continent of Nesia
Nesia has three major insular groupings: Polynesia, Melanesia and Micronesia.
Together, the three areas cover much of the Pacific Ocean.
The three Nesia divisions translate as "many islands", "black islands" and "small islands". Poly (many), mela (black), micro (small), and nesia (islands) are Greek.
Polynesia
Polynesia is the largest and internationally the most famous of the three Nesia segments.
Polynesia's seven best-known geographical areas are:
Is it Polynesian? Some people say yes, others, no. I'm with the latter group. True, the Mori people of New Zealand descend from the ancient Polynesian settlers. However, the Maori today comprise only 15% of that nation's population.
In 1947, the Norwegian Thor Heyerdahl sailed from South America to Polynesia in his Kon-Tiki reed boat to prove that Polynesia was settled by pre-Columbian South Americans. His theory sank in 1990 when DNA testing proved that the Polynesians' forbearers migrated from Asia.
That word and the elaborate tattooing artform originated in Polynesia.
French Polynesia
It is the best known and most visited of the Polynesian areas.
Polynesia has over 100 islands in five major island groups (archipelagoes) scattered over an area as large as Western Europe.
Most government functions are controlled locally, but France maintains control in areas like defense and foreign affairs.
You may see two flags in French Polynesia. In most cases, the one of the left is raised. On official events, the French tri-color is usually hoisted.
Most residents speak both official languages, French and Polynesian (the latter has dialects). English is widely understood in tourism-related dealings.
If you took a worldwide survey asking "Which is the most romantic tropical island paradise?", the foremost answer would likely be French Polynesia.
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I hope your Polynesia travel dreams come true - and that my facts and tidbits page helps you enjoy your Polynesian vacation, tour or trip ©2008 HQP / Hillman Quality Publications
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Divisions
American
Samoa
