MigrantoImmigrants in French Polynesia
27.8K foreigners live in French Polynesia — 10% of the country's population
Immigrants in French Polynesia by country
The 3 largest groups make up 91% of all immigrants
| Country | Immigrants |
|---|---|
| France | 22420 |
| New Caledonia | 2237 |
| Algeria | 681 |
| China | 615 |
| USA | 419 |
| Germany | 360 |
| Vanuatu | 210 |
| Italy | 148 |
| Canada | 128 |
| Switzerland | 120 |
| New Zealand | 111 |
| United Kingdom | 84 |
| Spain | 80 |
| Australia | 70 |
| India | 38 |
| Wallis and Futuna | 35 |
| Fiji | 30 |
| Japan | 23 |
| Indonesia | 17 |
By region of origin
83% of immigrants come from Europe
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Key facts
Immigrants in French Polynesia in numbers
44% of all emigrants from New Caledonia live in French Polynesia
No other country has more people born in New Caledonia.
1 in 10 residents of French Polynesia was born abroad
27.8K of 281.8K residents were born abroad — 9.9% of the population.
Immigrant population in French Polynesia over time
Foreigners living in French Polynesia, by year
| Year | Immigrants |
|---|---|
| 1990 | 22416 |
| 1995 | 24611 |
| 2000 | 26321 |
| 2005 | 28086 |
| 2010 | 27588 |
| 2015 | 27791 |
| 2020 | 27809 |
| 2024 | 27826 |
Largest groups over time
The 5 largest groups in French Polynesia, by year
| Year | French | New Caledonia | Algerians | Chinese | Americans |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 17851 | 1745 | 605 | 546 | 372 |
| 1995 | 19606 | 1916 | 664 | 599 | 408 |
| 2000 | 20959 | 2049 | 710 | 641 | 437 |
| 2005 | 22395 | 2232 | 743 | 671 | 457 |
| 2010 | 22012 | 2235 | 717 | 648 | 441 |
| 2015 | 22387 | 2235 | 681 | 615 | 419 |
| 2020 | 22404 | 2236 | 681 | 615 | 419 |
| 2024 | 22420 | 2237 | 681 | 615 | 419 |
Fastest-changing groups
How each group's numbers have changed since the selected year
Share of each diaspora living in French Polynesia
Of each group's emigrants worldwide, the share who live in French Polynesia
Data source: International Migrant Stock 2024 (UN DESA, Population Division)
Frequently asked questions
How many foreigners live in French Polynesia?
Around 27.8K immigrants live in French Polynesia — the world's #176 largest immigrant population.
What percentage of the population of French Polynesia are immigrants?
Immigrants make up around 10% of the population of French Polynesia — that's 27.8K out of a total population of 281.8K.
Where do most immigrants in French Polynesia come from?
Most immigrants in French Polynesia come from France, New Caledonia and Algeria — these three countries account for about 91% of all immigrants.
How many French live in French Polynesia?
Around 22.4K French live in French Polynesia — about 81% of all immigrants, the largest group.
Is the immigrant population in French Polynesia growing?
Barely — over the past decade, the number of immigrants in French Polynesia has changed from 27.8K to 27.8K, about 0%.
Where does the data on immigrants in French Polynesia come from?
The source is International Migrant Stock 2024 (UN DESA, Population Division). It counts people born abroad who now live in French Polynesia. Their children born in French Polynesia are not included.
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Living in French Polynesia
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