Maiao

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Coordinates: 17°39′S, 150°38′W

NASA picture of Maiao.
NASA picture of Maiao.

Maiao is an 8.8 km² (3.4 sq. mi.) island formation located 78 km (48.5 miles) southwest of Moorea and one of the Winward Islands (French: Îles du Vent) in French Polynesia. The island formation consists of one high island with a peak elevation of 154 meters (505') and a low island (or motu) that winds along the base of the high island. The formation encloses two hypersaline endorheic lagoons called Roto Iti and Roto Rahi. The island also has a lagoon at its edge. All lagoons are connected through narrow channels. The island is home to 299 people (as of Aug. 2007 census).[1]

The island is administratively part of the commune (municipality) of Moorea-Maiao, itself in the administrative subdivision of the Windward Islands.

[edit] References

  1. ^ (French) Institut Statistique de Polynésie Française (ISPF). TABLEAU II Population des communes et communes associées de Polynésie française (PDF). Retrieved on 2007-12-02.