Tahiti

Tahiti, formerly known as Otaheite, is an island nation located in the Pacific Ocean and is presently part of French Polynesia. It was formed by volcanic activity and is comprised of two parts: Tahiti Nui (the larger part) and Tahiti Iti (the smaller part). Indigineous Polynesians settled the island between 300 and 800 CE and currently make up approximately 70% of the population. It was part of the Kingdom of Tahiti until the French annexed it in 1880. Before colonization, the island was governed by chiefdoms, with the most important clan being Teva. Captain James Cook landed here in 1769 (and returned in 1773). The arrival of British missionaries in 1797 forever changed the local culture, as they influenced the government leaders as well, particularly when Pōmare II (who had been schooled by the missionaries) converted to Protestantism and later became an absolute monarch. His conversion in 1812 marks when Protestantism became prominent in Tahiti. Nudity, dancing, and tattoos were banned. Charles Darwin visited Tahiti in 1835, reportedly praising the influence of the missionaries. Today, Tahiti is a semi-autonomous territory of France, and all Tahitians are considered French citizens.

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