Akamaru Island

Akamaru is the third largest island in the Gambier Islands of French Polynesia. It is a small, rocky island with an area of approximately 2.6 km2 (1.0 sq mi). The island is located approximately 7 km (4.3 mi) southeast of Mangareva. Its highest point rises to an elevation of 247 m (810 ft).

Akamaru
View of Akamaru Island
Akamaru
Geography
LocationPacific Ocean
Coordinates23°10′52″S 134°54′56″W
ArchipelagoTuamotus
Area2.1 km2 (0.81 sq mi)
Length2.8 km (1.74 mi)
Width1.6 km (0.99 mi)
Highest elevation247 m (810 ft)
Highest point(unnamed)
Administration
France
Overseas collectivityFrench Polynesia
Administrative subdivisionTuamotus
CommuneGambier Islands
Demographics
Population22[1] (2012)
Pop. density10/km2 (30/sq mi)

The first European to arrive was the navigator James Wilson in 1797. In 1834, the French missionary Honoré Laval celebrated the first Mass on the island. The church of Notre-Dame de la Paix was built between 1835 and 1862. People from Mangareva sometimes visit to maintain the church and pick oranges in season. According to the 2012 census, there are 22 inhabitants.[2]

The much smaller island of Mekiro is located just off (about 100 m) Akamaru's northwestern shore.

View on Akamaru island from Mangareva island
  • View of Akamaru and Mekiro
  • Church of Notre-Dame de la Paix
  • Alley of coconut trees
  • View on Mangareva island from Akamaru
  • Palms

References
  1. "Population". Institut de la statistique de la Polynésie française. Retrieved 23 September 2014.
  2. "Caractéristiques des individus de Gambier". Institut de la statistique de la Polynésie française. Retrieved 23 September 2014.


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