Since 1962, when France stationed military personnel in the region, French Polynesia has changed from a subsistence agricultural economy to one in which a high proportion of the work force is either employed by the military or supports the tourist industry. With the halt of French nuclear testing in 1996, the military contribution to the economy fell sharply. Tourism accounts for about one-fourth of GDP and is a primary source of hard currency earnings. Other sources of income are pearl farming and deep-sea commercial fishing. The small manufacturing sector primarily processes agricultural products. The territory benefits substantially from development agreements with France aimed principally at creating new businesses and strengthening social services.

purchasing power parity - $1.3 billion (2001 est.)

4% (2001 est.)

purchasing power parity - $5,000 (2001 est.)

agriculture: 6%
industry: 18%
services: 76% (1997)

NA%

1.5%

70,000 (1996)

agriculture 13%, industry 19%, services 68% (1997)

11.8% (1994)

tourism, pearls, agricultural processing, handicrafts, phosphates

NA%