Evidence of settlement by the Polynesian peoples dates back to around 300 AD. From around the 16^th century, contact with Europeans began as explorers, adventurers and traders stopped there on their journeys across the Pacific. From 1774, a steady stream of Christian missionaries from Spain, France, and England spent time on the islands. Notably, the local monarch King Pomare II and his entourage converted to Christianity in 1812. Today, the country predominantly adheres to the Christian faith. The French government proclaimed Tahiti and Tahuata French Protectorates in 1842 and gradually increased the number of islands and peoples within the protectorate. In 1946, France declared that the region be a French Overseas Territory, with greater autonomy and later changed this status to Overseas Collectivity. French justice and laws, defence, policing, tertiary education, monetary policy and foreign affairs still come under the direct authority and management of France.