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Tahiti is the largest island in the Windward group of French Polynesia; this overseas collectivity of the French Republic is sometimes referred to as an overseas country.The island is located in the archipelago of the Society Islands in the central Southern Pacific Ocean, and is divided into two parts. The island was formed from volcanic activity and is high and mountainous with surrounding coral reefs.

Tahiti was originally settled by Polynesians between 300 and 800 CE. They represent about 70% of the island's population with the rest made up of Europeans, Chinese and those of mixed heritage. Tahiti is the economic, cultural and political centre of French Polynesia. The capital of the collectivity, is located on the northwest coast with the only international airport in the region.

The island was part of the Kingdom of Tahiti until its annexation by France in 1880.French is the only official language although the Tahitian language is widely spoken. Tahitians are French citizens with complete civil and political rights. However, there was a time during the 1960s and 1970s when children were forbidden to speak Tahitian in schools. Tahitian is now taught in schools; it is sometimes even a requirement for employment.

After the establishment of the CEP in 1963, the standard of living in French Polynesia increased considerably and many Polynesians abandoned traditional activities and emigrated to the urban centre of the capital. The economy is reliant on imports. At the cessation of CEP activities, France signed the Progress Pact with Tahiti to compensate the loss of financial resources and assist in education and tourism with an investment of about US$150 million a year.

The main trading partners are France for about 40% of imports and about 25% of exports, the other main trading partners are the US, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.Tahitian pearl farming is also a substantial source of revenues, most of the pearls being exported to Japan, Europe and the US. Tahiti also exports vanilla, fruits, flowers, monoi, fish and copra oil. Unemployment affects about 13% of the active population, especially women and unqualified young people.

One of the most widely recognized images of the islands is the world famous Tahitian dance. The otea is a traditional dance from Tahiti, where the dancers, standing in several rows, execute figures. It is one of the few dances which existed in pre-European times as a male dance. This dance, easily recognized by its fast hip-shaking and grass skirts, is often confused with the Hawaiian hula, a generally slower more graceful dance which focuses more on the hands and storytelling than the hips. Major sports in Tahiti include rugby union and association football and the island has fielded a national basketball team, which is a member of FIBA Oceania.Another sport is surfing. Teahupo'o is one of the deadliest surf breaks in the world. The Tahiti Cup is the islands' premier football knockout tournament and has been played for since 1938. In 2010, Tahiti was chosen as the host of the 2013 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, which was held in September 2013.