Rank #69 by World Population
🇵🇫French Polynesia
French Polynesia has a population of 281,118, ranking #69 in the world. The capital is Papeete. Located in East Asia & Pacific.
World Bank: High income
281,118
Population
#69
World Rank
84.1
Life Expectancy
$21,832
GDP Per Capita
French Polynesia, #69 by world population
French Polynesia Population History (1960-2024)
The country of French Polynesia had a population of 83,671 in 1960 and 281,807 in 2024, a 3.4× growth over 64 years. The peak was 281,807 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.92%.
281,807
Population (2024)
83,671
Population (1960)
281,807
Peak (2024)
1.92%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 1960 | 83,671 |
| 1961 | 85,434 |
| 1962 | 87,261 |
| 1963 | 89,737 |
| 1964 | 92,823 |
| 1965 | 96,017 |
| 1966 | 99,320 |
| 1967 | 102,754 |
| 1968 | 106,353 |
| 1969 | 110,111 |
| 1970 | 114,010 |
| 1971 | 117,945 |
| 1972 | 121,886 |
| 1973 | 125,897 |
| 1974 | 129,960 |
| 1975 | 134,045 |
| 1976 | 138,114 |
| 1977 | 142,313 |
| 1978 | 146,821 |
| 1979 | 151,569 |
| 1980 | 156,471 |
| 1981 | 161,506 |
| 1982 | 166,646 |
| 1983 | 171,750 |
| 1984 | 176,469 |
| 1985 | 180,988 |
| 1986 | 185,669 |
| 1987 | 190,449 |
| 1988 | 195,193 |
| 1989 | 199,643 |
| 1990 | 203,776 |
| 1991 | 207,744 |
| 1992 | 211,559 |
| 1993 | 215,219 |
| 1994 | 218,738 |
| 1995 | 222,118 |
| 1996 | 225,489 |
| 1997 | 229,121 |
| 1998 | 232,891 |
| 1999 | 236,595 |
| 2000 | 240,337 |
| 2001 | 244,097 |
| 2002 | 247,775 |
| 2003 | 251,637 |
| 2004 | 255,654 |
| 2005 | 259,507 |
| 2006 | 263,223 |
| 2007 | 266,438 |
| 2008 | 268,379 |
| 2009 | 269,481 |
| 2010 | 270,580 |
| 2011 | 271,727 |
| 2012 | 273,084 |
| 2013 | 274,728 |
| 2014 | 276,387 |
| 2015 | 277,866 |
| 2016 | 279,178 |
| 2017 | 280,087 |
| 2018 | 279,815 |
| 2019 | 279,034 |
| 2020 | 279,209 |
| 2021 | 279,792 |
| 2022 | 280,378 |
| 2023 | 281,118 |
| 2024 | 281,807 |
Demographics
| Population | 281,118 |
| Population Growth Rate | 0.26% |
| Urban Population | 61.7% |
| Fertility Rate | 1.50 births/woman |
| Life Expectancy | 84.1 years |
| Infant Mortality Rate | - |
| Literacy Rate | - |
Economy & Trade
$21,832
GDP Per Capita
11.6%
Unemployment Rate
High income
Income Level
71.7%
Trade (% of GDP)
89,400.002
Tourism Arrivals
Health & Education
Development & Connectivity
100.0%
Electricity Access
115
Mobile Subs per 100
81.0
People per km2
-1,348
Net Migration
Environment
43.1%
Forest Area
French Polynesia Climate
French Polynesia has an average annual temperature of 23.7°C (75°F) and receives about 1779 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is February and the coldest is July. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
23.7°C
Avg Temp
1779
Precip (mm/yr)
Feb
Hottest Month
Jul
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 25° / 77° | 226 mm |
| February | 25° / 77° | 191 mm |
| March | 25° / 77° | 156 mm |
| April | 25° / 76° | 147 mm |
| May | 24° / 75° | 133 mm |
| June | 23° / 73° | 105 mm |
| July | 22° / 71° | 96 mm |
| August | 22° / 72° | 79 mm |
| September | 22° / 72° | 97 mm |
| October | 23° / 74° | 125 mm |
| November | 24° / 75° | 194 mm |
| December | 24° / 76° | 230 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit French Polynesia
The most comfortable months to visit French Polynesia are typically August, July and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is February (around 29°C high). The coldest is July (near 18°C low). December is usually the wettest month.
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Other Countries in East Asia & Pacific
Compare French Polynesia
French Polynesia in global context
French Polynesia is one of 212 countries tracked. See how it ranks globally, regional shares of world population, and projections to 2050 / 2100.
World Population 2026: Top 10 Countries, Regions & Trends →Other related entities
Country rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
French Polynesia has a population of 281,118, ranking #69 in the world. The annual population growth rate is 0.26%.
Life expectancy in French Polynesia is 84.1 years.
French Polynesia's GDP per capita is $21,832. It is classified as a high income country by the World Bank.
61.7% of French Polynesia's population lives in urban areas. The overall population density is 81.0 people per square kilometer.
Literacy data for French Polynesia is available from the World Bank.
The most comfortable months to visit French Polynesia are typically August, July and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low, based on 1970–2000 climate normals.
French Polynesia has an average annual temperature of 23.7°C and about 1779 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is typically February and the coldest is July.
International data from the World Bank Open Data API. Population figures are latest available estimates. GDP per capita in current US dollars.
French Polynesia is a country in East Asia & Pacific with a population of 281,118. The population is growing slowly, about 0.3% annually.
Economically, French Polynesia is high-income — GDP per capita is roughly $21,832. Life expectancy is high at 84.1 years, with a fertility rate of 1.5 births per woman, and 61.7% of the population lives in urban areas.
Source: World Bank Open Data, 2026.