Niau

Niau is a small atoll in French Polynesia, in the commune of Fakarava (Tuamotu archipelago). This atoll has a broad fringing reef, a diameter of 8 km and an area of 53 km2.

Niau
NASA picture of Niau Atoll
Niau
Geography
LocationPacific Ocean
Coordinates16°9′15″S 146°21′20.4″W
ArchipelagoTuamotus
Area33 km2 (13 sq mi) (lagoon)
20 km2 (8 sq mi) (above water)
Length8 km (5 mi)
Administration
France
Overseas collectivityFrench Polynesia
Administrative subdivisionÎles Tuamotu-Gambier
CommuneFakarava
Largest settlementTupana
Demographics
Population226 (2012)

Niau's lagoon is swampy, hypersaline and entirely enclosed. The narrow strip of land surrounding the lagoon is covered by marsh vegetation. The enclosed lagoon area is 33 km2, making the land size at 20 km2. The lagoon has an unusual green color.

The only human settlement on Niau is Tupana, population 226 (as of 2012).

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