Society Islands

Society Islands Native name: Îles de la Société
Tahiti
Geography
Location	Pacific Ocean
Coordinates	Coordinates: 17°32′S, 149°50′W
Archipelago	Society Islands
Major islands	Tahiti, Moorea, Bora-Bora, Huahine
Area	1,598 km²
Highest point	Mont Orohena 2241 m
Administration
France
Overseas collectivity	French Polynesia
Largest city	Papeete (26191)
Demographics
Population	214,445 (as of 2002)
Density	134

Map of Society Islands

The Society Islands (French: Îles de la Société or officially Archipel de la Société) are a group of islands in the south Pacific, administratively part of French Polynesia. The archipelago is so named in honor of the Royal Society, sponsor of the first British scientific survey of the islands.

One of the islands.

The islands are divided geographically, politically and administratively into two groups:

• Windward Islands (Îles du Vent) (listed from east to west)
  • Mehetia
  • Tahiti
  • Moorea
  • Maiao
  • Tetiaroa
• Leeward Islands (Îles Sous-le-Vent)
  • Huahine
  • Bora Bora
  • Raiatea
  • Tahaa
  • Maupiti
  • Tupai
  • Mopelia
  • Scilly
  • Motu One (Bellinghausen)

The islands became a French protectorate in 1843 and a colony in 1880. They have a population of 214,445 inhabitants (as of 2002 census). They cover an area of 1,598 km² (617 sq. miles).

External links

• Society Islands from Space

Archipelagos of French Polynesia

Society Islands (Leeward Islands, Winward Islands) · Tuamotu Islands  Gambier Islands  · Austral Islands  · Marquesas Islands

Society Islands of French Polynesia
	Windward Islands:  Maiao • Mehetia • Moorea • Tahiti • Tetiaroa
	Leeward Islands:  Bora Bora • Huahine • Manuae • Maupihaa • Maupiti • Motu One • Raiatea • Tahaa • Tupai
Archipelagos of French Polynesia:  Australs • Gambiers • Marquesas • Societies • Tuamotus

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