Papeete

PapeetePapeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia.
Silhouetted yachts anchored on calm water at sunset in Papeete, Tahiti, with dramatic purple clouds and a golden sky.
PapeeteBoats in harbor, Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia.

Papeete, commune, capital of the French overseas country of French Polynesia in the South Pacific Ocean. A gracious tropical city with tall palms and abundant flowers, Papeete lies on the northwest coast of Tahiti and is one of the largest urban centers in the South Pacific. Its excellent harbor made it, by the 1830s, a place of trade and a favorite port of call for whalers. After annexation by the French (1880), it was made the seat of the governor, and in 1890 it became a commune.

Map of the Pacific Ocean highlighting the location of Papeete in French Polynesia, with surrounding regions including Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Russia, Canada, and the United States shown for geographic context. French Polynesia is outlined near the center of the map, emphasizing its position in the South Pacific.
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Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia
Boats docked along the quayside near buildings with red roofs and a white church in Papeete, Tahiti, with lush green mountains in the background.
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PapeeteQuayside near the main street of Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia.
Street view of shops in Papeete, Tahiti, with cars parked in front and blue awnings reading Maison Venus above storefronts in a two-story building with white railings.
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PapeeteStreet in Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia.

Papeete is a major stop for transpacific ships and airlines; an international airport is located in the suburb of Faaa. Copra, sugarcane, mother-of-pearl, vanilla, and coffee are exported. It is a major tourist base serving both Tahiti and the other French Polynesian islands. Beginning in the late 20th century, a large number of people from other parts of French Polynesia migrated to Papeete, causing the rapid growth of Faaa and the other suburbs of Punaauia, Pirae, and Mahina. The population also includes those of Chinese and European ancestry. Pop. (2017) 26,926.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica This article was most recently revised and updated by Andrew Pereira.
Citation Information
Article Title: Papeete
Website Name: Encyclopaedia Britannica
Publisher: Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.
Date Published: 05 November 2026
Access Date: November 14, 2026