55,000 in poverty in French Polynesia, says study

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Rough waters. Waves crash against a wall on Tahiti island. [Ocenia Flash]

Last Updated: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:05:00 +1100

Despite a generally high level of incomes in French Polynesia, 55,000 people live in poverty, a study has found.

The study, carried out on behalf of the French Development Agency, found 28 per cent of the population is poor - which is defined as having just over $US1,000 a month for each family unit.

It found the gap between the rich and poor was as wide as in Latin American countries.

The top 20 per cent of households get half the territory's total income, while the poorest 20 per cent get just six per cent of the income.

The report notes that French Polynesia has no unemployment benefit and no income tax, which would be possible ways to lessen the differences.