Papeete

Papeete, city in French Polynesia (an overseas territory of France consisting of more than 100 islands), the territory's capital and principal port, located on the northwestern coast of the island of Tahiti, in the South Pacific Ocean. It has an excellent harbor and a modern airport and is a major stop for transpacific shipping and aviation. Exports include copra, mother-of-pearl, and vanilla. Papeete is also the hub of a thriving tourist industry. A stop for whaling vessels by the early 19th century, Papeete was annexed by the French in 1880. Population (2001 estimate) 125,000.