Tahitian population 2012: Numbers and characteristics of the inhabitants of French Polynesia
Introduction
Tahitian population 2012 is an important topic for understanding the demographic profile of French Polynesia. French Polynesia is an overseas community of the French Republic with a total population of 275,918. It is made up of five archipelagos, notably the Marquesas Islands, the Tuamotu-Gambier Islands, the Society Islands, the Austral Islands and the islands of Oceania.
In this article, we will analyze Tahitian population data and statistics in 2012 and paint a picture of the situation for French Polynesia as a whole. We will also identify demographic characteristics and trends, as well as changes in migration and economic development policies.
Data and statistics
According to the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE), the Tahitian population 2012 amounted to 183,645 inhabitants on the island of Tahiti, the largest and most populated of the islands of French Polynesia.
The whole of French Polynesia has 118,273 men and 157,645 women in 2012. The urban population represents 58% of the total population and is concentrated in the urban areas of Tahiti, notably Papeete, Faaa and Punaauia.
The average annual population growth rate between 2007 and 2012 was 0.5%. The population growth is due to internal migration and the increase in the fertility rate.
French Polynesia’s fertility rate in 2012 was 2.6 children per woman, down from 3.1 children in 2007. The infant mortality rate is also down, from 8.1 deaths per 1,000 births in 2007 to 5.8 deaths per 1000 births in 2012.
French Polynesia also has a high unemployment rate of 18% in 2012, mainly due to the strong dependence of the local economy on the civil service.
Population characteristics
French Polynesia is a multicultural society made up of people from a variety of backgrounds, including indigenous Polynesians, French, other Europeans, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Wallisians and Futunians.
The official language is French, but the Polynesian language is also widely spoken. Christianity is the main religion, mainly the Protestant version.
Indigenous Polynesians make up the majority of the population, with a strong presence from the Marquesas Islands. The Marquesans are known for their strong traditional culture, including dance, sculpture and music.
Other ethnic groups are mainly concentrated in urban areas and are often associated with specific economic sectors, such as Chinese with trade and Europeans with tourism.
French Polynesia has implemented specific migration policies to regulate immigration and the settlement of new residents. However, internal migration is free and open to all French citizens.
France is also implementing an economic development strategy to help diversify the local economy and reduce economic dependence on the civil service.
In 2012, the population of Tahiti amounted to nearly 183,645 inhabitants according to the key figures of the population of French Polynesia. This population is made up of different ethnic backgrounds, including Polynesian, European, Asian, and Mestizo. The birth rate is relatively high in Tahiti, with an average of 22.1 births per 1000 inhabitants. On the other hand, the mortality rate is also high, with an average of 6.1 deaths per 1000 inhabitants. This results in a natural growth of 1.5% of the population each year.
Regarding the geographical distribution of the population, the majority of the inhabitants of Tahiti live in the agglomeration of Papeete, which is the capital of French Polynesia. In addition, the island of Tahiti is the economic and cultural center of the territory. This concentration of the population in the city of Papeete has caused problems in terms of road congestion, saturation of public facilities and housing. However, the Polynesian authorities are now working to develop decentralization projects to encourage the population to settle in other regions of the archipelago.
Finally, it should be noted that French Polynesia suffers from strong emigration to mainland France and to Australia. This phenomenon is due to the search for economic and professional opportunities, as well as the aspiration of a more modern and more urban life. However, it is important to point out that emigration also has negative consequences on the local economy and on the social ties between the islands of French Polynesia. Faced with this observation, the public authorities have initiated a policy of returning expatriates to strengthen the economic development of the archipelago. Thus, the population of Tahiti, like that of the whole of French Polynesia, is faced with demographic and socio-economic challenges that must be resolved urgently to ensure harmonious and sustainable growth.
Key figures of the population in Tahiti in 2012
Impact of Covid-19
The Covid-19 pandemic had a significant impact on French Polynesia in 2020. Foreign tourists, who form an important part of the local economy, were banned from entering for several months, leading to a sharp drop of economic activity.
Despite this, the population of French Polynesia remains stable and continues to grow slowly. The long-term effects of the pandemic on the economy and population growth remain to be seen.
Conclusion
There tahiti population 2012 offers an interesting insight into the demographic profile of French Polynesia. Demographic characteristics and trends are influenced by a variety of factors, including internal migration, migration policies and economic development.
The picture drawn here shows that French Polynesia is an ever-changing multicultural society, with a strong presence of the indigenous population. Efforts to diversify the local economy and reduce reliance on the civil service could have a significant impact on population growth in the future.