Location Pacific Ocean Length 5.4 km (3.36 mi) Overseas collectivity French Polynesia Area 7 km² | Archipelago Tuamotus Width 3.6 km (2.24 mi) Administrative subdivision Tuamotus Island group Tuamotus | |
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Manuhangi (also known as Te Fara) is an atoll of the Tuamotu Archipelago in French Polynesia. It is located 68 km southeast of Nengonengo, 52 km west of Paraoa and 845 km east of Tahiti.
Contents
Map of Manuhangi
Manuhangi Atoll is small in size, with a length of 5.4 km and a maximum width of 3.6 km. It has an oval shape and a coral reef completely enclosing a small lagoon. Manuhangi has a hook-shaped island covering the east and northeast of its reef.
History
The old Paumotu (Tuamotu’s inhabitants) called this small atoll "manu hagi" (meaning "the loving bird"). The atoll has been uninhabited for many years.
The first recorded European who arrived to Manuhangi was English navigator Samuel Wallis in 1767. He named it "Cumberland".
Administration
Administratively Manuhangi belongs to the commune of Hao (main village: Otepa), which includes Ahunui (uninhabited), Nengonengo, Manuhangi (no permanent inhabitant) and Paraoa (uninhabited).
Flora and fauna
Manuhangi is a protected area and various species of birds are found in the atoll. Part of the land is planted with coconut palms. Apart from the birds, the fauna of the island primarily consists of coconut crabs.
Economy and infrastructure
Tahitian black pearls are collected and cultivated in the surrounding islands. The island has some houses with permanent structures, cisterns, and water supply from natural wells. Manuhangi has no permanent inhabitant.