French Polynesia profile

Demography and Health

French Polynesia accounts for a small population of about 281,800 people in 2024, ranking around 180 globally by population size. The territory enjoys a remarkably high life expectancy of 84.1 years (2023), placing it among the higher-ranked populations worldwide for longevity (life expectancy rank 5). The birth rate sits at 10.9 per 1,000 people and the crude death rate at 3.65 per 1,000, resulting in a modest natural increase of roughly 7.25 per 1,000 people, or a little over 2,000 people per year given the current population base. However, migration patterns temper population growth: net migration in 2024 is negative, at about -1,261 people, indicating a net outflow that can offset natural increase and influence long-term demographics and labor dynamics (net migration rank 112). The combination of a high life expectancy with a relatively modest birth rate suggests an aging demographic trend over time, even as a sizeable portion of the population still enjoys long life spans. The health profile is reinforced by nutrition indicators: the prevalence of undernourishment stands at 5.4% (2022), a relatively low share, signaling reasonable food security and access to calories for most residents. Taken together, these indicators describe a population with strong health outcomes and longevity, constrained growth in numbers by lower fertility and outward migration, and a nutrition situation that supports healthy living across the archipelago, albeit with the inevitable challenges that come with migration-driven skill and demographic shifts.

Economy

French Polynesia reports a GDP per capita of 22,774 US dollars in 2023, placing it in the higher-middle range of global income levels (GDP per capita rank 56). This points to a fairly developed standard of living relative to many other economies in the region, underscored by a consumption base that supports a diversified service sector. The structure of the economy shows a notable but not dominant reliance on external trade: exports of goods and services account for 23.1% of GDP (2023), while imports amount to 45.6% of GDP (2023). The import share being nearly double the export share suggests a tendency toward trade deficits typical of small, open economies that rely on external goods and services for domestic consumption and investment. The economy also features some high-technology activity, with high-technology exports totaling 1,514,715 current US dollars in 2023 (rank 129), a signal of capabilities in advanced sectors but not a dominant engine of overall output. The overall macro profile is one of a fairly prosperous, services-oriented economy with pockets of advanced production, facing the usual constraints of a small, geographically dispersed territory: limited domestic market size, exposure to external shocks, and a need to sustain investment in human capital and infrastructure to maintain living standards.

Trade and Investment

Trade and investment dynamics reveal a small, highly open economy. Exports of goods and services are 23.1% of GDP (2023), while imports of goods and services are 45.6% of GDP (2023), indicating that external trade forms a substantial share of economic activity and that the territory relies on imported goods for consumption and investment. The relatively modest level of foreign direct investment, with net inflows at -0.101% of GDP in 2023, signals limited foreign capital formation, which can reflect a small market size, policy preferences, or a cautious investment climate. The presence of high-technology exports (1,514,715 USD) and a global rank of 129 in that category shows targeted activity in knowledge-intensive sectors, but these exports still represent a small share of GDP. Together, these indicators suggest a trade and investment environment characterized by openness to foreign goods and services, limited yet strategic technology exports, and modest foreign capital participation. Opportunities likely lie in improving investment incentives, expanding regional integration, and attracting project-based capital for energy, transport, and digital infrastructure that can bolster resilience and growth while aligning with sustainable development goals.

Governance and Institutions

Although the presented data do not include direct governance indicators, several contextual lines can be drawn. The territory’s strong life expectancy and food security point to effective public service delivery and social systems. The relatively small economy, negative net migration, and modest foreign direct investment inflows suggest a governance environment that faces typical challenges of small, remote jurisdictions: attracting investment, retaining skilled labor, and ensuring inclusive growth across dispersed islands. As a French overseas collectivity, policy alignment with France and the broader European framework supports stable rule of law, governance legitimacy, and access to financial and technical resources, while also presenting considerations around fiscal autonomy and regulatory complexity. The data imply a governance context that can deliver high human development outcomes but may require targeted reforms to attract capital, retain talent, and accelerate digital and energy transitions in a way that preserves social cohesion and environmental stewardship.

Infrastructure and Technology

Infrastructure and technology indicators point to a well-educated population and a functioning service economy, with room for growth in energy resilience and digital capacity. The renewable energy share is 7.0% of total final energy consumption in 2022, indicating a substantial dependence on non-renewable or imported energy sources and a clear opportunity to scale up cleaner energy supply. The presence of notable high-technology exports (about 1.51 million USD in 2023) signals actual capacity in advanced manufacturing or knowledge-intensive activities, albeit at a level that remains modest relative to GDP. The 2023 data imply a tech-enabled economy with specialized capabilities rather than a broad tech manufacturing base. In this context, infrastructure investments—particularly in renewable energy, energy storage, grid reliability, and digital connectivity across islands—could enhance energy security, reduce vulnerability to external fuel price shocks, and broaden opportunities for technology-led growth. Strengthening transport and logistics networks is also essential to support tourism-driven demand, goods movement between islands, and resilience to climate risks.

Environment and Sustainability

Environmental indicators show a territory balancing development with sustainability challenges typical of island economies. The prevalence of undernourishment is 5.4% (2022), indicating relatively robust food security. Per capita greenhouse gas emissions stand at 4.89 t CO2e (2023), a moderate level that reflects a service-oriented economy with some transport-related emissions typical of island regions. Renewable energy consumption accounts for 7.0% of total final energy consumption (2022), highlighting significant headroom for decarbonization through expanded solar, wind, and potentially other clean energy sources. The island geography makes climate resilience a central policy concern: sea-level rise, extreme weather events, and pressure on fisheries and coral ecosystems require adaptive planning, sustainable tourism practices, and robust coastal protections. These indicators collectively show a path toward greater sustainability, with opportunities to accelerate renewable energy deployment, improve energy efficiency, protect ecosystems, and secure resilient livelihoods for communities across the archipelago.