* Climate change: French Polynesia is highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, including rising sea levels, increasingly extreme weather events, and coral bleaching.
* Pollution: Pollution from shipping, fishing, and tourism activities is a major threat to the marine environment.
* Deforestation: Deforestation, particularly on the island of Tahiti, is a major concern.
Economic challenges
* Economic dependence: French Polynesia is heavily dependent on tourism, which accounts for over 20% of GDP. This makes the country vulnerable to fluctuations in the tourism industry.
* High cost of living: The cost of living in French Polynesia is high, due in part to the high cost of imported goods.
* Unemployment: Unemployment is a major problem, particularly among young people.
Social challenges
* Poverty: Poverty is a major problem, particularly in the outer islands.
* Crime: Crime is a growing problem, particularly in urban areas.
* Alcoholism: Alcoholism is a major problem, particularly among young people.
Political challenges
* Political instability: French Polynesia has a history of political instability, with frequent changes of government.
* Corruption: Corruption is a major problem, and the country is ranked 55th out of 180 countries in the 2021 Transparency International Corruption Perception Index.
* Relations with France: Relations with France are complex, with some Polynesians calling for greater autonomy or even independence.