Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between GAMT and UTC?
GAMT is 9 hours behind UTC throughout the year, as the Gambier Islands do not observe daylight saving time.
Does this area observe DST?
No, the Gambier Islands do not observe daylight saving time.
Which major cities follow this pattern?
The largest settlement on the Gambier Islands, Rikitea, follows this schedule.
What areas share the same hours?
Other parts of French Polynesia, including the Marquesas Islands, share the same hours.
How does this compare with UTC?
GAMT is 9 hours behind UTC year-round.
Why doesn't this area observe DST year-round?
The Gambier Islands do not observe daylight saving time due to their location in the Pacific Ocean and a relatively consistent length of daylight throughout the year.
How did this system get established?
GAMT has been used in the Gambier Islands to maintain alignment with other regions in French Polynesia that also do not observe daylight saving time.
What are the typical work hours here?
Work hours on the Gambier Islands generally follow a 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM schedule, with a break for lunch in the middle of the day.
What is the economic importance of this area?
The Gambier Islands are known for their pearl farming industry, as well as for agriculture, particularly the cultivation of copra and vanilla.