Rimatara
Encyclopedia
Rimatara is the westernmost inhabited island in the Austral Islands
of French Polynesia
. It has a total surface area of 8.6 km² (3.3 sq mi) and a population of 786 inhabitants (as of 2007 census). It is located 550 km (341.8 mi) south of Tahiti
and 150 km (93.2 mi) west of Rurutu. The commune
of Rimatara includes the small and uninhabited Maria Islands
.
Rimatara is a circular volcanic plateau surrounded by a reef with a height of 8 to 10 meters (26 to 32 feet). The highest point, at the peak of Mount Uhau, is 83 meters (272 feet). The main villages are Amaru (the capital), Anapoto and Mutuaura.
Rimatara was one of the last Polynesia islands to welcome European visitors. Captain Samuel Pinder Henry discovered the island in 1821. Two missionaries arrived in 1822 and established a Protestant mission. France
established a protectorate in 1889 and annexed Rimatara in 1900.
, Mutuaura and Anapoto.
Austral Islands
The Austral Islands are the southernmost group of islands in French Polynesia, an overseas collectivity of France in the South Pacific. Geographically, they consist of two separate archipelagos, namely in the northwest the Tubuai Islands consisting of the Îles Maria, Rimatara, Rurutu, Tubuai...
of French Polynesia
French Polynesia
French Polynesia is an overseas country of the French Republic . It is made up of several groups of Polynesian islands, the most famous island being Tahiti in the Society Islands group, which is also the most populous island and the seat of the capital of the territory...
. It has a total surface area of 8.6 km² (3.3 sq mi) and a population of 786 inhabitants (as of 2007 census). It is located 550 km (341.8 mi) south of Tahiti
Tahiti
Tahiti is the largest island in the Windward group of French Polynesia, located in the archipelago of the Society Islands in the southern Pacific Ocean. It is the economic, cultural and political centre of French Polynesia. The island was formed from volcanic activity and is high and mountainous...
and 150 km (93.2 mi) west of Rurutu. The commune
Administrative divisions of French Polynesia
There are two levels of administrative divisions of French Polynesia, five administrative subdivisions each of which is further divided into a total of 48 communes. Many of the communes are further subdivided into communes associées...
of Rimatara includes the small and uninhabited Maria Islands
Îles Maria
Îles Maria or simply Maria, also known as Hull Island, is a small coral atoll in the Pacific Ocean. Its original name is Nororotu. The nearest land is Rimatara situated 205 km to the ESE....
.
Rimatara was one of the last Polynesia islands to welcome European visitors. Captain Samuel Pinder Henry discovered the island in 1821. Two missionaries arrived in 1822 and established a Protestant mission. France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
established a protectorate in 1889 and annexed Rimatara in 1900.
Administration
The commune of Rimatara consists of the island of Rimatara, and the Maria Islets (Îlots Maria). Associated communes are AmaruAmaru
Amaru may refer to* Amaru , Indian poet* Túpac Amaru, the last indigenous leader of the Inca state in South America* Túpac Amaru II, leader of an indigenous uprising in 1780 against Spanish Viceroyalty of Peru...
, Mutuaura and Anapoto.