CAPITAL PAPE' ETE - POPULATION 283,019 - AREA 4167 SQ KM - OFFICIAL LANGUAGES TAHITIAN, FRENCH
Ever since the paintings of Paul Gauguin brought the laid-back life of French Polynesia to Europeans, there has been constant traffic to the islands. Witnessing the total solar eclipse in July 2010 is the latest reason to visit, with astronomers and hippies agreeing that the eclipse will be best viewed in French Polynesia, ideally on board a yacht with a cocktail in hand. Several specialist tours are focusing on the phenomenon that will last no more than five minutes. On land, Pape'ete is swamped with traffic and grim urban architecture, but has indoor spectacles like the Pacific International Documentary Film Festival in 2009.
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