If you lived in French Polynesia instead of South Africa, you would:

Health

live 13.1 years longer

In South Africa, the average life expectancy is 65 years (64 years for men, 67 years for women) as of 2022. In French Polynesia, that number is 78 years (76 years for men, 81 years for women) as of 2022.

Economy

make 37.8% more money

South Africa has a GDP per capita of $13,500 as of 2022, while in French Polynesia, the GDP per capita is $18,600 as of 2021.

be 59.1% less likely to be unemployed

In South Africa, 28.8% of adults are unemployed as of 2022. In French Polynesia, that number is 11.8% as of 2022.

be 18.7% more likely to live below the poverty line

In South Africa, 16.6% live below the poverty line as of 2016. In French Polynesia, however, that number is 19.7% as of 2009.

Life

be 83.0% less likely to die during infancy

In South Africa, approximately 25.9 children (per 1,000 live births) die before they reach the age of one as of 2022. In French Polynesia, on the other hand, 4.4 children do as of 2022.

have 23.9% fewer children

In South Africa, there are approximately 17.7 babies per 1,000 people as of 2024. In French Polynesia, there are 13.5 babies per 1,000 people as of 2022.

Basic Needs

be 12.0% more likely to have access to electricity

In South Africa, approximately 89% of the population has electricity access as of 2021. In French Polynesia, 100% of the population do as of 2020.


The statistics above were calculated using the following data sources: The World Factbook.

French Polynesia: At a glance

French Polynesia is a sovereign country in Australia-Oceania, with a total land area of approximately 3,827 sq km. The French annexed various Polynesian island groups during the 19th century. In September 1995, France stirred up widespread protests by resuming nuclear testing on the Mururoa atoll after a three-year moratorium. The tests were halted in January 1996. In recent years, French Polynesia's autonomy has been considerably expanded.
Read more

How big is French Polynesia compared to South Africa? See an in-depth size comparison.

Share this

ASK THE ELSEWHERE COMMUNITY

Join the Elsewhere community and ask a question about French Polynesia.or South Africa It's a free, question-and-answer based forum to discuss what life is like in countries and cities around the world.