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Vahitahi

NASA picture of Vahitahi Atoll
Vahitahi
Geography
Location	Pacific Ocean
Coordinates	18°47′S 138°50′W / 18.783°S 138.833°W / -18.783; -138.833
Archipelago	Tuamotus
Area	13 km (5.0 sq mi) (lagoon) 2.5 km (1 sq mi) (above water)
Length	10 km (6 mi)
Width	4.5 km (2.8 mi)
Administration
France
Overseas collectivity	French Polynesia
Administrative subdivision	Îles Tuamotu-Gambier
Commune	Nukutavake
Demographics
Population	105 (2012)

Vahitahi, or Vaitake, is an atoll in the eastern area of the Tuamotu Archipelago, French Polynesia. Vahitahi's nearest neighbour is Akiaki, which is located 41 kilometres (25 miles) to the northwest.

Vahitahi is a small atoll with an elongated oval shape. It measures approximately 41 kilometres (25 miles) in length and has a maximum width of 4.5 kilometres (2.8 miles). Its reef encloses completely the lagoon. The total land area of the islands on its reef is 2.5 square kilometres (1.0 square mile).

The main village is called Mohitu (formerly Temanufaara). There were 105 inhabitants according to the 2012 census.

History

Vahitahi Atoll was the first land that Louis Antoine de Bougainville found in the Pacific in 1768. He called the atoll Les Quatre Facardins, after a novel of the time. James Cook reached Vahitahi the following year and named it Lagoon Island.

Vahitahi has a territorial airport. It was inaugurated in 1986.

Administration

Administratively Vahitahi Atoll belongs to the commune of Nukutavake.

References

1. "Population". Institut de la statistique de la Polynésie française. Retrieved 22 September 2014.
2. Salmond, Anne (2010). Aphrodite's Island. Berkeley: University of California Press. pp. 93. ISBN 9780520261143.

• Vahitahi Airport
• Atoll names

External links

• List of atolls (in French)

v t e Tuamotu Archipelago and Gambier Islands of French Polynesia
Tuamotus Gambiers	Islands/Atolls	Ahe Ahunui Akamaru Akiaki Amanu Anaa* Angakauitai Anuanuraro Anuanurunga Apataki Aratika Arutua* Aukena Faaite Fakahina Fakarava* Fangatau* Fangataufa Hao* Haraiki Hereheretue Hikueru* Hiti Kamaka Katiu Kauehi Kaukura Kouaku Makapu Makaroa Makatea Makemo* Mangareva* Manihi* Manuhangi Manui Maria Est Marokau Marutea Nord Marutea Sud Mataiva Matureivavao Morane Moruroa Motutunga Napuka* Nengonengo Niau Nihiru Nukutavake* Nukutepipi Papuri Paraoa Puaumu Pinaki Puka Puka* Pukarua Rangiroa* Raraka Raroia Ravahere Reao* Reitoru Rekareka Taenga Tahanea Taiaro Takapoto Takaroa* Takume Taravai Tatakoto* Tauere Tekokota Tematagi Temoe Tenararo Tenarunga Tepoto (North) Tepoto (South) Tikehau Tikei Toau Tokorua Totegegie Tuanake Tureia* Vahanga Vahitahi Vairaatea Vanavana * commune administration centre
	Island groups	Acteon Disappointment Duke of Gloucester King George Two Groups Palliser Raeffsky
Archipelagos of French Polynesia: Australs Gambiers Marquesas Societies Tuamotus

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