airport in the region, Faa'a International Airport, situated
5 km (3.1 mi) from the town centre. Tahiti was originally settled by Polynesians
between CE 300 and 800. They comprise about 70% of the island's population with
the rest made up of Europeans, Chinese and those of mixed heritage. The island
was proclaimed a colony of France in 1880 although it was not until 1946 that
the indigenous Tahitians were legally authorised to be French citizens. French
is the only official language although the Tahitian language (Reo Tahiti)
is widely spoken. It was part of the Kingdom of Tahiti until its annexation by
France in 1880
