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The French annexed various Polynesian island groups during the 19th century. In September 1995, France stirred up widespread protests by resuming nuclear testing on the Mururoa atoll after a three-year moratorium. The tests were suspended in January 1996.
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Country
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Surface Area: 4,167 sq km (118 islands and atolls)
Population: 257,847 (July 2002 est.)
Located in: Oceania, archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean
Capital City: Papeete
Head of State: Jacques CHIRAC, represented by High Commissioner of the Republic Michel MATHIEU
Prime Minister: President of the Territorial Government of French Polynesia Gaston FLOSSE
Independent since: none (overseas territory of France)
Currency: Comptoirs Francais du Pacifique franc (XPF)
Flag (image): 
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