Tahiti and Her Islands extend over such a large area that it took several explorers and many years to discover and chart all the islands. The Spanish and the Dutch were first, making daring voyages through certain archipelagoes during the 16th and 17th centuries.

In 1767, English Capt. Samuel Wallis was the first European to discover Tahiti. Bougainville followed in 1768, Capt. Cook in 1769 and Capt. Bligh, of « Bounty » mutiny fame, in 1788.

Tahiti was ruled by the Pomare dynasty until 1880, when the islands became a French colony. In 1957, French Polynesia became a French Overseas Territory and has been internally autonomous since 1984.

As such, it is headed by a High Commissioner representing the French republic, in charge of external relations, Justice, Defense and Currency.

The legislative body is the Territorial Assembly, consisting of 41 members elected by popular vote. This body elects the president of the government and head of the Territory, who chooses his 10 ministers.

French Polynesia also elects one representative to the French Senate and two representatives to the French Parliament.

Ongoing enhancements to the political status of the territory gradually provide increased autonomy to the local government.