Then, on 27 February 2004, a law was passed giving French Polynesia the particular designation of overseas country while reiterating that it belongs to the category of overseas collectivities.
However, the Constitutional Council of France ruled that this description was merely a designation and not a legal status, as that would have been unconstitutional.
The territory's new status meant a certain autonomy for French Polynesia in the Pacific region.
Furthermore, it established French Polynesian citizenship based on permanent residency – a requirement for the right to vote in regional elections.
However, France maintains control over justice, security and public order, currency, defence, and foreign policy.