Polynesia

Polynesia is an all-encompassing term denoting a sub-region of Oceania, made up of over 1,000 islands scattered over the central and southern Pacific Ocean. The indigenous people who inhabit the islands of Polynesia are termed Polynesians and they share many similar traits including langauge, culture and beliefs. Historically, they were experienced sailors and used stars to navigate during the night.

The term "Polynesia" was first used in 1756 by French writer Charles de Brosses, and originally applied to all the islands of the Pacific. Historically, these islands have also been referred to as the South Sea Islands.

Today it covers a wide range of countries including Samoa, Micronesia, Tahiti, Tonga, Wallis and Futuna and French Polynesia.