NASA picture of Kauehi Atoll | |
Geography | |
---|---|
Location | Pacific Ocean |
Coordinates | 15°52′S 145°8′W / 15.867°S 145.133°W |
Archipelago | Tuamotus |
Area | 320 km2 (120 sq mi) (lagoon) 16 km2 (6 sq mi) (above water) |
Length | 24 km (14.9 mi) |
Width | 18 km (11.2 mi) |
Administration | |
France | |
Overseas collectivity | French Polynesia |
Administrative subdivision | Îles Tuamotu-Gambier |
Commune | Fakarava |
Largest settlement | Tearavero |
Demographics | |
Population | 257[1] (2012) |
Kauehi, or Putake,[2] is an atoll in the Tuamotu group in French Polynesia. The nearest land is Raraka Atoll, located 17 km to the Southeast. Kauehi has a wide lagoon measuring 24 km by 18 km. The atoll has a lagoon area of 320 km2 (124 sq mi), and a land area of 16 km2 (6 sq mi). Kauehi's lagoon has one navigable pass.
The atoll has 257 inhabitants as of 2012[update]. The main village is called Tearavero.[3]
History
[edit]Even though Kauehi Atoll was probably well known to the pearl traders, the first recorded European to visit it was the Beagle's captain Robert FitzRoy in 1835.[3][4] Kauehi was later visited by the United States Exploring Expedition, 1838–1842. Charles Wilkes called the atoll "Vincennes" after his ship.[5]
Administration
[edit]Kauehi Atoll belongs to the commune of Fakarava, which consists of Fakarava, as well as the atolls of Aratika, Kauehi, Niau, Raraka, Taiaro and Toau.
References
[edit]- ^ "Population". Institut de la statistique de la Polynésie française. Archived from the original on 29 March 2020. Retrieved 2 October 2014.
- ^ Young, J.L. (1899). "Names of the Paumotu Islands, with the old names so far as they are known". Journal of the Polynesian Society. 8 (4): 264–268. Retrieved 7 January 2015.
- ^ a b "Kauehi on tahitiheritage.pf". Archived from the original on 2014-10-09. Retrieved 2014-06-15.
- ^ Les Atolls des Tuamotu, Jacques Bonvallot, Institut de recherche pour le développement, nakladateľstvo IRD , 1994, ISBN 9782709911757, p. 275-282.
- ^ United States Exploring Expedition