Fakahina

Fakahina, or Kaīna,^[2] is a small atoll in the north of the Tuamotu group in French Polynesia. The nearest land is Fangatau Atoll, located 72 km to the north-west. Fakahina's length is 9 kilometres (5.6 miles) and its maximum width 6.3 kilometres (3.9 miles). It has a land area of 11.55 square kilometres (4 square miles) and a lagoon area of 20 square kilometres (8 square miles). There is no pass connecting the lagoon with the ocean.

Fakahina

NASA picture of Fakahina Atoll
Fakahina
Geography
Location	Pacific Ocean
Coordinates	15°59′S 140°11′W
Archipelago	Tuamotus
Area	20 km2 (7.7 sq mi) (lagoon) 11.55 km2 (4 sq mi) (above water)
Length	9 km (5.6 mi)
Width	6.3 km (3.91 mi)
Administration
France
Overseas collectivity	French Polynesia
Administrative subdivision	Îles Tuamotu-Gambier
Commune	Fangatau
Largest settlement	Tarione
Demographics
Population	155[1] (2012)
Pop. density	19/km2 (49/sq mi)

Another NASA picture of Fakahina.

Fakahina has 155 inhabitants. The main village is Tarione.

History

The first recorded European to arrive to Fakahina Atoll was Otto von Kotzebue, sailing in the service of the Russian tsars, in 1824. This atoll appears as "Predpriati" in some maps.^[3]

At the beginning of the 20th century part of the population of Fakahina was moved to Puka-Puka to work in the production of copra.^[4]

Administration

Fakahina belongs to the commune of Fangatau, which consists of Fangatau Atoll, as well as the atoll and associated commune of Fakahina.