Papeete

It has sustained its statute during the French colonization, and subsequently during the establishment of the protectorate in 1842..

History

The fast development of Papeete started in the 20th century, thanks to decision of France to transfer the nuclear weapon test site from Algeria to the atolls Mururoa and Fangataufa, about 1500 km away. Therefore, the Faa'a International Airport was built near Papeete. This is the only international airport in French Polynesia . The 1960s saw an influx of about 30,000 immigrants from France and the surrounding areas. Fortunately, the last series of nuclear tests was conducted in 1995. At that time, it caused great riots in Papeete, which resulted in the damaging of the airport, injuring of 40 people, and subsequent temporary decline of tourism. In 1983, a Mormon church was built here, because there is a large number of its followers.

Papeete Today

Nowadays, Papeete is the administrative centre of the Windward Islands. At the same time, it is the main administrative, commercial, industrial and financial centre of the whole Tahiti and French Polynesia. It is also an important port and the centre of local tourism. Among the most interesting tourist attractions we can list, for example: the Cathedral of Notre Dame of Papeete, the Gaston Floss's Presidential Palace, the memorials Pouvanaa and Oopa, the Temple de Paofai, the town hall Mairie and the Bougainville Park. Another popular site is the seafront promenade. The lovers of shopping can visit the town market Marché Papeete, where they can buy special oils, handmade products and gifts. Each year, Papeete hosts the festival Heiva, which acquaints the visitors with traditional local dances, mainly with the Hula dance. Papeete has currently about 28 000 inhabitants.

GPS: -17.5333333000, -149.5666667000  Edit

Altitude: 19 m  Edit

Foundation (year): 1818  Edit

Fachoda Waterfalls, 7.1 km

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