Aratika
Encyclopedia
Aratika is an atoll
in the Tuamotu group in French Polynesia
. The nearest land is Kauehi Atoll, located 35 km to the south east.
Aratika has an unusual butterfly shape. Its length is 20.8 km and its maximum width 10.7 km. The lagoon is wide and deep, and can be entered by two navigable passes.
Aratika has 240 inhabitants. The main village is called Paparara.
expedition on September 3 1839.
There is a private airfield in this atoll which opened in 1998. It is owned by the Fourcade company.
, which consists of Fakarava, as well as the atolls of Aratika, Kauehi
, Niau
, Raraka
, Taiaro
and Toau
.
Atoll
An atoll is a coral island that encircles a lagoon partially or completely.- Usage :The word atoll comes from the Dhivehi word atholhu OED...
in the Tuamotu group in 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...
. The nearest land is Kauehi Atoll, located 35 km to the south east.
Aratika has an unusual butterfly shape. Its length is 20.8 km and its maximum width 10.7 km. The lagoon is wide and deep, and can be entered by two navigable passes.
Aratika has 240 inhabitants. The main village is called Paparara.
History
Aratika appears in some maps as "Carlshoff Island". This atoll was visited by the Charles WilkesCharles Wilkes
Charles Wilkes was an American naval officer and explorer. He led the United States Exploring Expedition, 1838-1842 and commanded the ship in the Trent Affair during the American Civil War...
expedition on September 3 1839.
There is a private airfield in this atoll which opened in 1998. It is owned by the Fourcade company.
Administration
Aratika Atoll belongs to the commune of FakaravaFakarava
Fakarava, Havaiki-te-araro, Havai'i or Farea is an atoll in the west of the Tuamotu group in French Polynesia. It is the second largest of the Tuamotu atolls. The nearest land is Toau Atoll, which lies 14 km to the northwest....
, which consists of Fakarava, as well as the atolls of Aratika, Kauehi
Kauehi
Kauehi, or Putake, is an atoll in the Tuamotu group in French Polynesia.The nearest land is Raraka Atoll, located 17 km to the Southeast.Kauehi Atoll is roughly kidney-shaped and has a wide lagoon; length 23 km, width 17 km....
, Niau
Niau
Niau is a small atoll in French Polynesia, in the commune of Fakarava . This atoll has broad fringing reef and an area of 20 km²....
, Raraka
Raraka
Raraka, or Te Marie, is an atoll in the west of the Tuamotu group in French Polynesia. It lies 17 km to the southeast of Kauehi Atoll....
, Taiaro
Taiaro
Taiaro, or Maro-taua, is a small atoll in the west of the Tuamotu group in French Polynesia. It is one of the smallest of the Tuamotu atolls. Taiaro lies 42 km to the northeast of Raraka Atoll....
and Toau
Toau
Toau, Pakuria, or Taha-a-titi is a coral atoll in French Polynesia, one of the Palliser Islands . Toau has a wide lagoon; length 35 km, width 18 km. The nearest land is Fakarava Atoll, located 14 km to the Southeast....
.