Bora Bora

Bora Bora
Name	Bora Bora
Location	Pacific Ocean
Archipelago	Society Islands
Total islands	1 main, several motu
Area km2	30.55
Highest mount	Mount Otemanu
Elevation m	727
Country	France
Overseas collectivity	French Polynesia
Capital	Vaitape
Population	10,605
Population as of	2017

Bora Bora. An island in the Pacific Ocean, part of the Society Islands within French Polynesia. It is renowned globally for its stunning turquoise lagoon protected by a coral reef and dramatic volcanic peaks, most notably Mount Otemanu. Often described as a premier luxury travel destination, its economy is overwhelmingly centered on high-end tourism.

Geography

The island is located approximately 230 kilometres northwest of Papeete, the capital of French Polynesia. It is a classic example of an atoll in formation, consisting of a central extinct volcanic remnant rising to 727 metres at Mount Otemanu, surrounded by a luminous lagoon and a string of small islets known as *motu*. The lagoon itself is enclosed by a protective barrier reef, creating a navigable, calm body of water famous for its clarity and marine life. Key geographical features include the main passes of Teavanui Pass and Povai Bay, which allow access from the open ocean. The climate is tropical, with a wet season from November to April influenced by the South Pacific Convergence Zone.

History

The island was first settled by Polynesian voyagers around the 4th century CE, part of the great Austronesian expansion across the Pacific. It was known historically as *Pora Pora*, meaning "first born" in the local Tahitian language. The first European sighting was by the Dutch explorer Jacob Roggeveen in 1722, followed by visits from James Cook and the London Missionary Society. In 1842, it was forcibly annexed by France and became a protectorate, later a full colony. During World War II, the United States chose it as a key South Pacific military supply base, constructing an airstrip on Motu Mute, which later became Bora Bora Airport, a pivotal development for its modern tourism.

Demographics

The permanent population was 10,605 at the 2017 census. The vast majority of residents are indigenous Polynesians or of mixed Polynesian and European descent, known as *Demis*. The main settlement and administrative capital is Vaitape, located on the western coast of the main island. Other small villages include Faanui and Anau. While French and Tahitian are the official languages, English is widely spoken in the tourism sector. The predominant religion is Christianity, primarily Protestantism as influenced by the early London Missionary Society, with a significant minority of Catholics.

Economy

The economy is almost entirely dependent on luxury tourism, which began in earnest after the opening of the first international-class resort, the Hotel Bora Bora, in 1961. This sector employs the majority of the local workforce. A secondary, traditional economic activity is the production of copra and the cultivation of vanilla and tropical fruit for local consumption. The island also hosts a small pearl farming industry, cultivating the famous Tahitian black pearl. Virtually all other goods, including fuel, construction materials, and many foodstuffs, must be imported via cargo ships or flights from Papeete.

Culture

Traditional Polynesian culture remains vibrant, expressed through dance, music, tattooing, and craft. The energetic *ote'a* (drum dance) and graceful *aparima* (storytelling dance) are central to cultural celebrations. Artisans create distinctive handicrafts such as woven pandanus hats, mats, and monoi oil. The annual Heiva i Bora Bora festival, held in July, is a major event featuring traditional sports, canoe races, and dance competitions. Tattooing, or *tatau*, holds deep cultural significance, with patterns often denoting genealogy and social status. The local cuisine heavily features seafood, coconut, breadfruit, and taro, with dishes like *poisson cru* (raw fish marinated in coconut milk and lime) being a staple.

Tourism

It is world-famous as an exclusive, high-end honeymoon and resort destination. Visitors typically arrive via Bora Bora Airport on Motu Mute, transferring to resorts by boat. Accommodations range from luxury hotel chains like the Four Seasons and St. Regis to iconic overwater bungalows, a concept popularized here. Primary tourist activities include lagoon excursions, shark and ray feeding tours, snorkeling in the Coral Gardens, scuba diving at sites like the Tapu pass, and 4x4 safaris to historical World War II cannons. The lagoon is also a premier destination for chartering yachts and catamarans.

Category:Islands of French Polynesia Category:Society Islands Category:Volcanic islands