Tahiti (/təˈhiːti/; French pronunciation: [ta.

iti]; previously also known as Otaheite (obsolete) is the

largest island in the Windward group of French Polynesia. The island is located in the archipelago of
the Society Islands in the central Southern Pacific Ocean, and is divided into two parts: the bigger,
northwestern part, Tahiti Nui, and the smaller, southeastern part, Tahiti Iti. The island was formed
from volcanic activity and is high and mountainous with surrounding coral reefs. The population is
189,517 inhabitants (2017 census),[1]making it the most populous island of French Polynesia and
accounting for 68.7% of its total population.
Tahiti is the economic, cultural and political centre of French Polynesia, an overseas
collectivity (sometimes referred to as an overseas country) of France. The capital of French
Polynesia, Papeete, is located on the northwest coast of Tahiti. The only international airport in the
region, Fa'a'ā International Airport, is on Tahiti near Papeete.
Tahiti was originally settled by Polynesians between 300 and 800 AD. They represent about 70% of
the island's population, with the rest made up of Europeans, Chinese people, and those of mixed
heritage.
The island was part of the Kingdom of Tahiti until its annexation by France in 1880, when it was
proclaimed a colony of France, and the inhabitants became French citizens. French is the only
official language, although the Tahitian language (Reo Tahiti) is widely spoken.