The Society Islands are a piece of land located in the Pacific Ocean. Its main inhabitants are the population of French Polynesia. The total area is just over 1590 km². These islands are divided into 2 groups - Windward (5) and Leeward (9). If we consider the administrative division, then the first group includes 13 communes, the second - 7.
Tahiti
The most important and largest piece of land is the island of Tahiti. Its capital is Papeete. Belongs to the Windward group. Its area is about 1040 km22 and its population is more than 178 thousand people (2007).
Tahiti consists of two parts: northern and southern. They are interconnected by a narrow strait. Almost the entire population lives in the northern part. This Society Island is the most densely populated, 70% of the total population of French Polynesia is located here. If we consider the racial composition of the population, it is worth clarifying that more than 80% are indigenous, 11% are Europeans, 4% are representativesAsia, the rest are mixed.
Both of these island parts are of volcanic origin. There are mountains in the territories, the highest of which reach a mark of just over 2200 m. Jungles are located on their peaks.
Since Tahiti was a French colony, even today its population is represented by citizens of France. It is this Society Island that is registered as the land with the highest standard of living in Oceania. Of course, the bulk of the profits are brought here by tourists. Despite the fact that France transfers an amount equal to 1 billion euros to the local fund every year through duties on imported goods, this monetary assistance is neutralized by itself.
The most important cultural event in Tahiti is the Heiva dance performance. This festival lasts for 2 weeks.
Tahiti is Society Island, the most developed and leading in terms of economy.
Bora Bora
Bora Bora is one of the Society's Leeward Islands. It is located at a distance of 240 km from Tahiti. The island has an elongated shape, 9 km long with a maximum width of 5 km. Its area reaches a mark of 38 km2. The population of almost 9 thousand people (2007) lives in the coastal zone, since the inner parts of the island are inaccessible due to dense vegetation, and you can only get through them on off-road vehicles. Almost all of Bora Bora's income comes from the tourism business. There are many hotels here, which, more oftentotal, visited by American and Japanese holidaymakers.
As already mentioned, the economy of the island is based entirely on tourism. Together with Tahiti, it is considered the most visited in Oceania. This island of the Society pleases with the development of the transport sector. There is an airfield, a regular bus, a helicopter. On the latter, as a rule, only guides with their tourists fly. There are institutions such as schools, banks, shopping malls.
Maupiti
Maupiti Island belongs to the Society's Leeward Islands group. Located at a distance of 300 km from Tahiti. Its area is 11 km2 and its population is more than 1200 people (2007). Many residents work in the tourism sector, however, this is not the main activity of the islanders. Most of all they are engaged in fishing and growing lemon morinda. The island can be reached by sea and by air, as there is a small airfield.
Moorea
Moorea Island belongs to the Windward Islands of the Society, located 17 km from Tahiti. In configuration, it resembles a triangle. Its area is 133.50 km², and the population is more than 16 thousand people. Almost all of the island's income comes from tourism, the entertainment program of which consists of aquatic activities - diving, observing the flora and fauna of the ocean. Also, some residents are engaged in the cultivation of pineapples.
