What is the Population of Bora Bora?

For those who want to know information about population of Bora Bora, you are able to read this entire article. Here we are going to explain the population of Bora Bora and other other information related to Bora Bora.

Bora Bora Population

Bora Bora is an island group part of the Leeward Islands which is in the western part of the Society Islands of French Polynesia. It is situated in the central South Pacific Ocean, about 165 miles northwest of Tahiti. Bora Bora is approximately 12 square miles (30.55 square kilometers) and is home to about 10,000 people. Bora Bora’s Tahitian spelling, Porapora, means, “first born.” Bora Bora was given that name because it was believed to be the first island made after Raiatea, the biggest island of the Leeward Islands. According to the research, Bora Bora was first inhabited by Polynesian settlers around the fourth century.

Bora Bora Population

The first observation European sighting of Bora Bora was in 1722 by Dutch Admiral Jakob Roggeveen. In 1769, the British navigator James Cook looked the island and the London Missionary Society arrived in 1820. Bora Bora was an independent kingdom until 1888 once its last queen renounced her throne to the French. In the late 19th century, Bora Bora was annexed as a colony by France. The island served as an Allied forces base in World War II.

Bora Bora population of roughly 10,000 people live in three villages: Fa’anui, Anau, and Vaitape. For your information, Vaitape is the principal village and administrative center of Bora Bora and is home to about half of the island’s population of 4,927 people. While Fa’anui is the second-largest village with a population of about 2,962 people, followed by Anau with 1,973. French Polynesia has a much larger population of about 280,900 people.

Based on the research, the majority of Bora Bora’s population works in the tourism industry, that is the islands’ primary economic driver. The first hotel built in 1961 and since then, some have been built featuring over-water bungalows. Most resorts are built on the motus or small islands, which surround the lagoon.

Bora Bora Culture

You have to know that the main languages in Bora Bora are French and Tahitian. However, you are going to find that many people also speak English, especially resort employees. French Polynesians move at a relaxed pace. They have a life philosophy named “`Aita pea pea,” that means “not to worry.” You are able to try to go with the flow and enjoy life at a slower clip.

Protestant missionaries who came to the island in the 19th century have influenced the religion heavily in Bora Bora. Christianity continues to play a major role in the island’s culture. If you are interested, you may stop into the Eglise Protestante Maohi (Maohi Protestant Church) in Vaitape, that has roots dating back to the late 1700.

Since 1946, French Polynesia has been an overseas territory of the French Republic. However, French Polynesia has many autonomy that you will see in everything from their currency to taxation. The French Pacific franc (CFP) is the currency of Bora Bora.

The facts about Bora Bora

Here are some facts abou Bora Bora:

  • Its highest point is Mount Otemanu at 727 meters.
  • Bora Bora is surrounded by a coral reef and a wonderful lagoon.
  • The population of Bora Bora is permanent since 2008. It consists of 8.880 residents.
  • It is popular for the numerous resorts.
  • It is halfway between Australia and United States.
  • Bora Bora lies 230 km northwest of Papeete.
  • Vaitape is the major settlement on the western side of the main island.
  • The island is completely pest free without any poisonous snakes or the insects in sight.
  • It is one of the most secluded islands on Earth.
  • Many couples want to spend their honeymoon in the bungalows floating. Some others cannot wait to experience the sharks and drink a cocktail on the beaches.
  • Bora Bora has small islets around it including Motu Tapu, Motu Ahuna, Motu Tafari, Toopuaiti, Motu Mute, and some more.
  • Bora Bora is well-known for the dark pearls which are a nice gift to bring home as a reminder of a great holiday.
  • Bora Bora has a terrific histor. Since the times it was inhabited by warriors. Right now, it serves as the most attractive destination.

The History of Bora Bora

Here are some history about Bora Bora:

    • Pora Pora

Originally, Bora Bora was called Pora Pora because in the Tahitian language the letter ‘B’ does not exist. Once translated, it has a meaning ‘the first born’ referring to the grave importance of the island or the son of King Hiro of Raiatea who ruled it. Later, when English settlers arrived, they misheard the name as Bora Bora.

    • Volcanic eruption

This island was formed by a volcanic eruption over four million years ago. For a time, it was uninhabited and desolate, until lots of people from the island of Tongan came. According to the research, they are believed to be the first people to lie foot on this island after the volcanic eruption. Right now, the island was called as Vava’u.

    • World War II

You are able to believe or not, but in fact Bora Bora was an American supply during the World War II in 1940. The island was a good sanctuary for more than 6.000 United States soldiers. Therefore, the islet Motu Mute was the main gateway for supplies to and from the island, making it a key location.

    • Captain James Cook

Bora Bora was built by Captain James Cook in 1769. It was the first time the island was recognized as an existing one. The Captain James Cook was on a mission in the area as a British explorer once he came upon the island. It was a beginning of the missionaries that were established there in 1820. Their aim was to convert Polynesians into Christianity. You are able to see that the importance of the island grew with the years.

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