Rimatara

Rimatara is the westernmost inhabited island in the Austral Islands of French Polynesia. It is located 550 km (340 mi) south of Tahiti and 150 km (93 mi) west of Rurutu. The land area of Rimatara is 8.6 km² (3.3 sq mi), and that of the Maria islets is 1.3 km² (0.50 sq mi).^[1] Its highest point is 106 m (348 ft).^[1] Its population was 893 at the 2022 census.^[2]

Rimatara

NASA picture of Rimatara Island
Rimatara
Geography
Location	Pacific Ocean
Coordinates	22°39′0″S 152°49′12″W
Archipelago	Australes
Area	8.6 km2 (3.3 sq mi)
Highest elevation	106 m (348 ft)
Highest point	Mount Uahu
Commune	Rimatara
Largest settlement	Amaru

Rimatara is a circular volcanic plateau surrounded by a reef with a height of 8 to 10 m (26 to 33 ft). The main villages are Amaru (the capital), Anapoto and Mutuaura.

Rimatara was one of the last Polynesian islands to receive European visitors. Captain Samuel Pinder Henry discovered the island in 1811. Two Tahitian missionaries from Bora Bora arrived in 1822 and established a Protestant mission. France established a protectorate in 1889^[3] and annexed Rimatara in 1901.^[4][5]

Notable people

• Tamaeva IV, queen of Rimatara
• Tamaeva V, queen of Rimatara
• Tamaeva VI, queen of Rimatara

Administration

Rimatara
Commune
Flag
Location of Rimatara
Coordinates: 22°39′S 152°49′W
Country	France
Overseas collectivity	French Polynesia
Subdivision	Austral Islands
Government
• Mayor (2020–2026)	Artigas Hatitio[6]
Area 1	9.9 km2 (3.8 sq mi)
Population  (2022)[2]	893
• Density	90/km2 (230/sq mi)
Time zone	UTC−10:00
INSEE/Postal code	98743 /98752
Elevation	0–106 m (0–348 ft)
1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km2 (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries.

The commune of Rimatara consists of the island of Rimatara, and the uninhabited Maria Islets (Îlots Maria). Rimatara consists of the following associated communes:

• Amaru
• Anapoto
• Mutuaura

See also

• Rimatara Airport