Raraka
above water) | |
| Length | 27 km (16.8 mi) |
|---|---|
| Width | 19 km (11.8 mi) |
| Administration | |
France | |
| Overseas collectivity | French Polynesia |
| Administrative subdivision | Îles Tuamotu-Gambier |
| Commune | Fakarava |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 110[1] (2012) |
Raraka, or Te Marie, is an
The shape of Raraka Atoll is an oval 27 km long and 19 km wide. Its fringing reef has many sandbanks and small motu (islets). This atoll has a wide lagoon with a navigable pass to the ocean.
Raraka has 96 inhabitants (2017).[2] There is only one village on Motutapu in the northwest.
Raraka Atoll in the Tuamotus should not be confused with Raraka in Malaita, Solomon Islands 09°11′S 161°01′W / 9.183°S 161.017°W.
History
The first recorded European to sight Raraka Atoll was Captain Ireland in 1831.[3]
Raraka Atoll was visited by the historic United States Exploring Expedition on 30 Aug. 1839.[4] Charles Wilkes reported: "The next day they reached Raraka Atoll and were allowed ashore to explore it on that and the following day. There they met about 40 peaceful islanders, who had native-born missionary among them. Their chief was missing his left hand, it having been bitten off by a shark."
Administration
Raraka Atoll belongs to the commune of Fakarava, which consists of Fakarava, as well as the atolls of Aratika, Kauehi, Niau, Raraka, Taiaro and Toau.
See also
- Desert island
- List of islands
References
- ^ "Population". Institut de la statistique de la Polynésie française. Retrieved 16 October 2014.
- ^ Services et établissements de la Polynésie française
- ^ Sample Chapter(s) for Historical%2 Archived 2011-05-22 at the Wayback Machine
- ISBN 0520025571.
External links
- Raraka
- United States Exploring Expedition
- Seamount Trail
- Report on a visit
- Atoll names
- Atoll list (in French)
 Tuamotus  Gambiers | Islands/Atolls |  | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Island groups | |||
| International | |
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| Other | |
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