Polynésie Française

Islam in French Polynesia (Polynésie Française) is very small and relatively new, with only a handful of followers and minimal public presence.

Overview of Islam in French Polynesia
Location Context
French Polynesia is a French overseas collectivity made up of 118 islands in the South Pacific, including Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Moorea. The population is around 280,000, mostly Polynesians, with strong Christian (mainly Protestant and Catholic) roots due to missionary history.

Muslim Population
Very small — estimated at a few hundred individuals, possibly fewer. Mainly composed of:

  • Immigrants or foreign workers from North Africa or the Middle East
  • A few local converts
  • Occasionally, Muslim tourists or temporary residents

There is no large, historic Muslim community like in New Caledonia.

Religious Infrastructure
There is no official mosque in French Polynesia as of now (2025), though there have been reports of:

  • Informal prayer spaces
  • Small private gatherings for Friday prayers or Ramadan

In 2013, a small group attempted to build the first mosque, but the plan faced local opposition, reflecting cultural sensitivity and the dominant Christian identity.

Legal Status and Religious Freedom

  • As a French territory, freedom of religion is guaranteed under French law.
  • Muslims are allowed to practice their faith, but visibility is limited, and public awareness is low.
  • The community is generally quiet and private, avoiding confrontation or attention.

Social Integration

  • Islam is not widely known or understood in local culture.
  • The dominant religions (mainly Protestantism) are deeply tied to Polynesian identity, so Islam is often viewed as foreign or unfamiliar.
  • There have been minor tensions or protests in the past when Islamic visibility increased, but no major conflict.

Religious Life

  • Halal food is not widely available, but some families import or prepare it privately.
  • Ramadan and Eid are observed privately, mostly in homes.
  • There are no Islamic schools or formal institutions.

Summary

  • Muslim population: Extremely small (estimated a few hundred)
  • Mosque: None officially, only informal prayer
  • Practice: Quiet, private, and low visibility
  • Religion in society: Dominated by Christianity (esp. Protestantism)
  • Legal status: Freedom of religion protected by France

Polynésie Française (French Polynesia)
Country Code Top-Level Domain: .pf
Country Code: +689