French Polynesia Population 2026
French Polynesia, a high-income country in the East Asia & Pacific region, has a latest population of 281,807 as of 2025. This represents a modest 1-year growth rate of 0.25%, reflecting a slow but steady demographic expansion. The population is spread across a vast Pacific archipelago, with the majority living on the island of Tahiti.
Population Trend (French Polynesia)
Population by Decade
Population milestones
How French Polynesia's population changed across key years (World Bank estimates).
Overview
French Polynesia's population trends show a very slow growth pattern, with a 1-year growth rate of 0.25% in 2025 and an average annual growth rate of 0.19% over the last decade. This low growth is typical of high-income countries in the Pacific, where factors such as moderate fertility rates, emigration to metropolitan France, and an aging population play a role. As a high-income economy within the East Asia & Pacific region, French Polynesia benefits from tourism and French subsidies, which influence its demographic stability. The global rank of #180 indicates a relatively small population compared to other countries, consistent with its island geography and limited land area. The population of 281,807 is concentrated on the Society Islands, with the capital Papeete in Tahiti serving as the main urban hub. Despite low growth, the population has remained relatively stable over the past decade, avoiding the declines seen in some other Pacific island nations. Regional context places French Polynesia among sparsely populated Pacific states, where demographic changes are closely linked to economic opportunities and migration patterns.
Key Facts
- The latest population of French Polynesia in 2025 is 281,807.
- The 1-year population growth rate is 0.25%.
- The 10-year average annual growth rate is 0.19%.
- French Polynesia is classified as a high-income country.
- It is located in the East Asia & Pacific region.
- French Polynesia holds the global rank of #180 by population size.