The aim of this bachelor's thesis is to provide a comprehensive overview of the French nuclear testing programme conducted in French Polynesia between 1966 and 1996. The thesis examines the influence of historical events, natural factors, and French government policy on the implementation of the French nuclear programme. The first part describes the physical and human geographical characteristics of French Polynesia that influenced France's decision to establish its nuclear testing programme in this remote island region. Algeria is also discussed as the predecessor testing site to French Polynesia. This is followed by an in-depth analysis of the extensive French nuclear testing programme and its environmental and demographic consequences. Over the course of thirty years, France conducted a total of 193 nuclear tests, resulting in documented environmental damage and severe long-term impacts on human health. The final section examines the international response to nuclear testing and to France as one of the world's first five nuclear-weapon states. Despite international efforts that ultimately led to the prohibition of nuclear weapons testing, many victims remain ineligible for compensation, while others are unlikely ever to receive it. Due to persistent contamination, the Mururoa and Fangataufa atolls remain under the control of the French government as restricted military zones.
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