subdivision administrative) and 48 communes. Geological stability of the archipelago is high, as it was created by the weakly active Easter Fracture Zone. His visit was followed by: None of these visits were of political consequence, as the islands were in the sphere of influence of the Pōmare Dynasty of Tahiti. The coconut palm, which forms the basis for copra production, is of special economic importance. Although geographically part of the Tuamotus, the Gambier Islands, at the southeastern extreme of the archipelago, are geologically and culturally distinct. You will feel transported right away in this world of exotism and serenity. The early history of the Tuamotu islands is generally shrouded in mystery. The atoll was officially designated as a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 1977.[3]. Traders took the islands' pearls to the European markets by the late 19th century, making them coveted possessions. Scattered over 965,255 sq. Makatea est un atoll surélevé d'origine corallienne situé dans l'archipel des Tuamotu, dans le sous-groupe des îles Palliser, en Polynésie française. The others are Banaba in Kiribati, and the island nation of Nauru. The list includes individual codes for presently existing national entities, states of the United States, provinces and territories of Canada, divisions of the United Kingdom, and internationally … The lagoon has no navigable entrance. The people of Tahiti originally referred to the islands with the exonym of the Paumotus, which means the "Subservient Islands", until a delegation from the island convinced the French authorities to change it to Tuamotus, which means the "Distant Islands". French Polynesia is located to the east of Brisbane (Australia); to the west of Lima (Peru) and to the south of Hawaii. The MARC Code List for Countries contains a list of places and their associated two- or three-character lowercase alphabetic codes. European encounters with the Tuamotus began with that of Portuguese sailor Ferdinand Magellan, during his circumglobal voyage in 1521 sailing in the service of the Spanish Crown. Tristan da Cunha is an example of a hotspot volcano in the Atlantic Ocean. No volcanic eruptions have been recorded historically. the lowest point is the Pacific Ocean (0m).Â. The southernmost chain is the Austral Islands, with its northerly trending part the atolls in the nation of Tuvalu. Surface creatures are primarily seabirds, insects, and lizards. Rangiroa, French Polynesia Rangiroa (Tuamotuan for 'vast sky') is the largest atoll in the Tuamotu archipelago and one of the largest in the world. The Tuamotu Islands, encompassed of 78 coral atolls, are known for their abundant sea creatures. The legendary name “Tahiti” not only identifies the main island, but also describes the groups of islands that make up French Polynesia. For example, French Polynesia was forever changed when it became a nuclear test site, a process begun in 1962 when France’s former testing ground, Algeria, gained independence. The highest point of French Polynesia is Mont Orohena, which peaks at an elevation of 7,352 ft (2,241m). The Tuamotus are dream South Seas snapshot: the 77 atolls – narrow coral rings encircling turquoise lagoons – that make up this stunning archipelago are flung over an immense stretch of indigo-blue ocean. Modest tourism infrastructure is found on the atolls of Rangiroa and Manihi which have recreational scuba diving and snorkeling destinations. Located in the Pacific Ocean, The Islands of Tahiti are a mythical destination. In the story, London has the ship sail past Mangareva and all through the Tuamotus before beaching on Fakarava.[6]. More: 10 islands for every type of traveler 1. Rangiroa, the largest coral atoll in French Polynesia, is famed for its natural beauty, and remains a favorite of travellers from across the globe. Bora Bora, the atoll located 280 kilometres north-west of Tahiti, is another very popular destination in French … French Polynesia is a semi-autonomous island group designated as an overseas country of France. The Tuamotus combine with the Gambier Islands to form the Îles Tuamotu-Gambier which is one of the five administrative divisions of French Polynesia. It is the administrative, industrial, commercial and financial center of the island territory. Another hot spot … The islands' economy is predominantly composed of subsistence agriculture. In French Polynesia, a vast archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean, ... Tuamotu Islands. The sparse soil of the coral islands does not permit diverse vegetation. The common language spoken in the Tuamotus is Tuamotuan, except in Puka-Puka which uses the Marquesan language. It includes the stunning islands of Bora Bora, Moorea and Tahiti – and like the enchanting Marquesas in the northeast – most are lush, dark green specs of land, volcanic in origin, with jagged-edged peaks jutting boldly into the sky. The 22 atolls that form the Maldives archipelago each have their own unique characteristics and range in size from a few kilometres to tens of kilometres ... Shoreline changes in reef islands of the Central Pacific: Takapoto Atoll, Northern Tuamotu, French Polynesia, Geomorphology, 282, 96–118, 2017. At the 2007 census, the Tuamotus (including the Gambier Islands) had a population of 18,317 inhabitants (15,862 in 2002, 8,100 in 1983). The atoll consists of about 415 motus, islets and sandbars comprising a total … Commonly referred to as The Islands of Tahiti, French Polynesia is a collection of 118 islands and atolls scattered across an impressive nautical surface area the size of Western Europe. The archipelagoes of French Polynesia are the Society Islands, Tuamotu Archipelago, Gambier Islands, Marquesas Islands, and Tubuai Islands. Magic names such as Tahiti, Bora-Bora, the Tuamotu and the Marquesas,and other islands each with their individual characters and flavors. Robert Louis Stevenson and Fanny Stevenson travelled among the Paumotus on the Yacht Casco in 1888; an account of their journey was published as In the South Seas. Water sources such as lakes or rivers are absent, leaving catchments of rain as the only source of fresh water. Cruises, Vacations & more. The Tuamotus, also referred to in English as the Tuamotu Archipelago or the Tuamotu Islands (French: Îles Tuamotu, officially Archipel des Tuamotu), are a French Polynesian chain of almost 80 islands and atolls forming the largest chain of atolls in the world. More recently the islands have been the subject of headlines as the site of French nuclear weapons testing on the atolls of Moruroa and Fangataufa. The Îles Gambier et Tuamotu Est electoral district comprises the commune of Gambier and eleven communes in eastern Tuamotu: Anaa; Fangatau; Hao; Hikueru; Makemo; Napuka; Nukutavake; Pukapuka; Reao; Tatakoto; and Tureia. Continue on to the Tuamotus, a collection of low-lying atolls known the world ‘round for their vibrant underwater … The Tuamotu Islands is a chain of islands and atolls in French Polynesia. These island groups can be seen on the physical map of French Polynesia above. A very long island covers completely its eastern reef. 1-866-584-2336 or contact your travel advisor CONTACT TRAVEL ADVISORS SEARCH Agriculture is generally otherwise limited to simple subsistence. Welcome !French Polynesia is spread over 5 archipelagoes and counts a mix of 118 high volcanic islands and low-lying coral atolls, a paradise of white sand beaches and turquoise lagoons. The Society Islands & Tuamotu Archipelago beckon on this 11-day South Pacific cruise upon the luxurious m/s Paul Gauguin. Tahiti is a world beyond all other island destinations. Covering a total land area of 4,167 sq.km, French Polynesia is an overseas collectivity of France and comprises of 118 small islands and atolls, scattered across the south-central Pacific Ocean. The annual average temperature is a relatively continuous 26 Â°C (79 Â°F). Explore lush rainforests, crystal-clear lagoons, or simply indulgent beach-side lounging. Over the next… French Polynesia can be described at length as a place of outstanding beauty boasting incredible lagoons, mountainous landscapes and colorful marine wildlife. Archaeological findings lead to the conclusion that the western Tuamotus were settled from the Society Islands by circa 700 CE/AD. The largest and the most famous island of French Polynesia is Tahiti with the total area of more than 1,000 square kilometres. The climate is warm tropical, without pronounced seasons. Still, this overseas collectivity of the French Republic is composed of many other islands and atolls. It was not until the beginning of the 19th century that the first Christian missionaries arrived. km). The most important sources of additional income are the cultivation of black pearls and the preparation of copra. Behind the pink sand beach, the wild coconut grove hides a tropical garden. The trade winds of French Polynesia have enticed sailors for centuries – and now those same beautiful breezes welcome us as we sail through the windward and leeward Society Islands to the serene natural beauty of the Tuamotu Islands, where pristine atolls and crystal lagoons welcome you to a hidden paradise. Another chain with similar orientation is the Tuamotu Archipelago; its older, northerly trend is the Line Islands. Fakarava, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is home to the famed “wall of sharks,” an annual event that takes place in July.A spawning of grouper fish brings hundreds of sharks to feed and delights divers who come from … Papeete is one of the largest urban centers in the South Pacific region and its excellent harbor serves as the chief port and trading center for transpacific ships. The Tuamotus are grouped into sixteen communes: Anaa; Arutua; Fakarava; Fangatau; Hao; Hikueru; Makemo; Manihi; Napuka; Nukutavake; Puka Puka; Rangiroa; Reao; Takaroa; Tatakoto; and Tureia. The annual average rainfall is 1400 mm (about 55 in). They form the largest chain of atolls in the world, about the size of Western Europe. The administrative subdivisions are: lles Australes (Austral Islands), lles du Vent (Windward Islands), lles Marquises (Marquesas Islands), lles Sous-le-Vent (Leeward Islands) and lles Tuamotu-Gambier. [5] Jack London wrote a story, "The Seed of McCoy", based on an incident in 1900 when a burning ship, the Pyrenees, was safely beached on Mangareva. The trade winds of French Polynesia have enticed sailors for centuries – and now those same beautiful breezes welcome us as we sail through the windward and leeward Society Islands to the serene natural beauty of the Tuamotu Islands, where pristine atolls and crystal lagoons welcome you to a hidden paradise. Makatea, southwest of the Palliser Islands, is one of three great phosphate rocks in the Pacific Ocean. Fruit and vegetable staples include yams, taro, and breadfruit, as well as a wide range of other tropical fruits. Located on the northwestern coast of Tahiti is, Papeete – the capital, of French Polynesia. miles (2,500,000 sq.km) of ocean, most of the islands of French Polynesia are volcanic in origin and fringed by coral reefs.  Of these islands, the Society archipelago is certainly the most famous. The above blank map represents French Polynesia - an overseas collectivity of France comprising of 118 small islands and atolls, scattered across the south-central Pacific Ocean.