Raraka

NASA picture of Raraka Atoll
Raraka
Geography
Location	Pacific Ocean
Coordinates	16°10′S 144°54′W / 16.167°S 144.900°W / -16.167; -144.900
Archipelago	Tuamotus
Area	342 km2 (132 sq mi)  (lagoon) 14 km2 (5.4 sq mi) (above water)
Length	27 km (16.8 mi)
Width	19 km (11.8 mi)
Administration
France
Overseas collectivity	French Polynesia
Administrative subdivision	Îles Tuamotu-Gambier
Commune	Fakarava
Demographics
Population	110[1] (2012)

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.

The shape of Raraka Atoll is an oval 27 km long and 19 km wide. Its fringing reef has many sandbanks and small motu (islets). This atoll has a wide lagoon with a navigable pass to the ocean.

Raraka has 96 inhabitants (2017).^[2] There is only one village on Motutapu in the northwest.

Raraka Atoll in the Tuamotus should not be confused with Raraka in Malaita, Solomon Islands 09°11′S 161°01′W / 9.183°S 161.017°W / -9.183; -161.017.

History

The first recorded European to sight Raraka Atoll was Captain Ireland in 1831.^[3]

Raraka Atoll was visited by the historic United States Exploring Expedition on 30 Aug. 1839.^[4] Charles Wilkes reported: "The next day they reached Raraka Atoll and were allowed ashore to explore it on that and the following day. There they met about 40 peaceful islanders, who had native-born missionary among them. Their chief was missing his left hand, it having been bitten off by a shark."

Administration

Raraka Atoll belongs to the commune of Fakarava, which consists of Fakarava, as well as the atolls of Aratika, Kauehi, Niau, Raraka, Taiaro and Toau.