society islands map and information page

Details

The Society Islands, considered "Paradise on Earth" by savvy travelers, were explored by Captains Cook and Bligh, but they were made truly famous by the paintings of the artist, Paul Gauguin, and by the words of author, James A. Michener.

Divided into the Windward Islands (Iles du Vent), and the Leeward Islands (Iles Sous le Vent) they were given their stylish name by Captain James Cook in 1769, when he named them after England's Royal Society- and Royal islands they certainly are.

Most of these rugged islands are volcanic in origin, with a few small coral atolls mixed in. Of these, the most recognizable names are the legendary islands of Bora Bora, Huahine, Moorea and Tahiti.

Bora Bora's fabled blue lagoon, that according to novelist James A. Michener, "is so stunning, there are really no adequate words to describe it."

For additional info about the islands of French Polynesia, and their most interesting history, go here.

Facts and Figures

Official Name Society Islands,

an island group within French Polynesia,

an overseas territory of France,

originally claimed in 1843

Population 221,000

Capital City Papeete (27,000), with an estimated (151,500) on the island of Tahiti

Flag here

Languages French (official), Tahitian (official)

Official Currency Comptoirs Francais du Pacifique franc

Currency Converter here

Religions Protestant, Catholic, others

Land Area 1,680 sq km (650 sq miles)

Latitude/Longitude 17º 52S, 149º 56W

Highest Point Mt. Orohena at 7,350 ft. (2,241 m)

Time and Date in Papeete

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Maps

Society Islands Large Color Map here

Society Islands Outline Map here

Bora Bora Maps here

Huahine locator Map here

Tahiti Maps here

French Polynesia Large Color Map here

French Polynesia Map CIA version here

French Polynesia Outline Map here

French Polynesia Maps at UT here

Oceania Maps here

Suggested Links

French Polynesia (Complete) information on the (GDP) overall economy, imports and exports, resources, government, population, military, transportation, and more here

Bora Bora website here

Bora Bora webcam here

Huahine website here

Moorea website here

Tahiti tourism website here

French Polynesia website here

French Polynesia photos here

French Polynesia travel info here

Climate The summer months (November - April) are hot and humid, with many sunny days. The balance of the year is slightly cooler and drier.

Cooling trade winds buffet the islands throughout the year, and the months of June, July, August and October are widely considered to be ideal times to visit.

Frankly, there's never a bad time to travel to paradise.