Bora Bora

Bora Bora, located about 160 miles northwest of Tahiti and approximately 2,600 miles south of Hawaii, was discovered in 1722, and is arguably the most beautiful island on the planet.

The island's ancient name of Vava'u suggests the original inhabitants of this 7 million year old island arrived from Tonga, and interestingly, there is no "B," in the local Tahitian language, so its actual name is Pora Pora, meaning "first born."

Under the leadership of Admiral Abel Aubert Dupetit Thouars, Bora Bora was named a colony of France in 1842.

The onset of World War II brought U.S. troops to the island, and seven massive cannons were set up around the perimeter, as well as a number of forts. The presence of the troops was generally accepted, and lucky for the natives (and troops alike) no combat took place on the island during the war. The U.S.military base officially closed on June 2, 1946, and the abandoned base became an international airport until Tahitiopened their own in 1962.

Bora Bora relies heavily on the tourism industry to fuel its economy, and its fabled blue lagoon is - according to novelist James A. Michener - "So stunning, that there are really no adequate words to describe it."

Volcanic in origin, Bora Bora's rugged main island, and a few smaller islands, are completely surrounded by coral reefs.

Made famous by books, movies, and its stunning beauty, the island is now besieged by tourism and overcrowding. Regardless, if you must visit a South Pacific island (and you should), Bora Bora would be an excellent choice.

For additional info about the islands of French Polynesia, and their most interesting history, go here.

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Fast Facts

Name: Bora Bora
A part of the Society Islands of French Polynesia, an overseas territory of France, originally claimed in 1843
Capital City: Bora Bora does not have a capital city, however its administrative center is the settlement of Vaitape on the main island
Population: 8,880 (2007 census)
World Populations (all countries)
Currency: Comptoirs Francais du Pacifique franc
(conversion rates)

500 franc
Ethnicity: Polynesian 78%, Chinese 12%, local French 6%, metropolitan French 4%
Language: French (official), Polynesian dialect
Largest Cities: (by population) Vaitape
National Day: July 14
Religion: Protestant, Catholic, others

current date and time

Flags

French Polynesia is an overseas possession of France.

Its flag depicts a canoe (piroque), sailing under a golden sun. Its crew of five is representing the five islands groups; the Austral, Gambier, Marquesas, Society and Tuamotu chains. Red and white are traditional Polynesian colors.

Larger Bora Bora flag

Geo. Statistics

Coastline: unknown
Land Area:
(land) 16.9 sq miles (44 sq km)
(water) 0 sq mi (0 sq km)
(TOTAL) 16.9 sq miles (44 sq km)

To convert sq km (kilometers) to sq mi (miles)
use our converter
Land Area: (all countries)
Latitude & Longitude:
Vaitape: (capital city) 16° 30' S, 151° 44' W
Horizontal Width: 2.37 miles (3.81 km) from Vaitape east to Anau
Vertical Length: 1.64 miles (2.63 km) from Faanui south to Vaitape

Note: Lengths and widths are point-to-point, straight-line measurements from a Mercator map projection, and will vary some using other map projections
Geographic Center: About 1.88 miles (3.1 km) northeast of Vaitape
Highest Point: Mount Otemanu 2,385 ft (727 m)
Lowest Point: Pacific Ocean (0m)

Geography

Located in the Leeward group of the

Society Islands French Polynesia

, Bora Bora is a volcanic island surrounded by a vibrant blue lagoon and barrier reef.

Much of Bora Bora's landscape is composed of luscious green hillsides and black volcanic rock that blends into a jagged coast bordered by white sand beaches.

The twin peaks of Mount Pahia and Mount Otemanu lie within the center of the island, and are the remnants of one extinct volcano. At 2,385 ft (727 m) Mount Otemanu is the highest point of Bora Bora; Mount Pahia peaks at 2,159 ft (658 m).

Links

GENERAL INTEREST:

Maps

Bora Bora Large Color Map
Bora Bora Outline Map
Bora Bora (Pacific Ocean) locator Map
Society Islands Large Color Map
Society Islands Outline Map
French Polynesia Large Color Map
French Polynesia Map CIA version
French Polynesia Outline Map
Oceania Maps

Travel Info.

ATTRACTIONS: (a few major)

Despite being known as a "tremendously pricey destination" tourists from all over the world travel to Bora Bora annually to enjoy its idyllic beaches.

While snorkeling, scuba diving, and other various water activities are the most popular attraction, tourists can also visit the Marae Temples, spend the afternoon hiking along various trails across the island, or visit the many shops and art galleries in the markets.

Weather

The summer months in Bora Bora (November - April) are hot and humid, with many sunny days. The balance of the year is slightly cooler and drier.

Cooling trade winds buffet the island throughout the year, and the months of June, July, August and October are widely considered to be ideal times to visit.

Frankly, there's never a bad time to travel to Bora Bora.