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). Its highest point is 106 m (348 ft). Its population was 872 at the 2017 census.
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 and annexed Rimatara in 1901.