How are the Society Islands divided into the Windward and Leeward Islands?

The Society Islands in French Polynesia are geographically divided into two distinct clusters based on their longitudinal position within the archipelago:12

• Îles du Vent (Windward Islands): This group constitutes the eastern portion of the Society Islands. It includes the major islands of Tahiti and Moorea, as well as smaller islands such as Maiao, Tetiaroa, and Mehetia.123
• Îles Sous le Vent (Leeward Islands): Located to the west of the Windward group, this cluster forms the western portion of the archipelago. It comprises five volcanic islands and four atolls, with Raiatea serving as the principal island. Other notable islands in this group include Bora-Bora, Tahaa, and Huahine.12

Since 1946, both groups have functioned as separate administrative subdivisions of French Polynesia.31