Mataiva ( French Mataiva , Lazarev Atoll ) - an atoll in the Tuamotu archipelago ( French Polynesia ) in the group of Pallizer islands . Translated from the Polynesian language, "Mataiva" means "nine eyes . " It is located in the northwestern part of the archipelago, about 18 km northwest of the Tikehau atoll and 80 km northwest of Rangiroa .
| Mataiva | |
|---|---|
| fr. Mataiva | |
 | |
| Specifications | |
| Square | 16 km² |
| Population | 204 people (2007) |
| Population density | 12.75 people / km² |
| Location | |
| Water area | Pacific Ocean |
| A country |
|
| Region | Tuamotu Gambier |
| Area | Rangiroa |
Content
Geography
The atoll has an oval shape. The length of Mataiva is about 10 km and the width is 5.3 km. The lagoon in the center of the island is relatively small (only about 25 km²), but in some places reaches a depth of up to 10 m. Phosphate deposits have been found in these depressions. In the center of the lagoon is a monolith of black basalt , several small motu . In nine places, the lagoon is connected to ocean waters. The climate on the island is humid, tropical . The average annual temperature varies from 24 to 30 ° C, the annual rainfall is about 2500 mm.
History
The Mataiva Atoll was discovered on July 30, 1820 by the Russian traveler Faddey Faddeevich Bellingshausen , who called it the Lazarev Atoll .
Administrative Division
Administratively part of the commune Rangiroa.
Population
In 2007, the population of Mataiva was 204 people. The main settlement of Mataiva Atoll is the village of Pahua .
Economics
From time to time, the inhabitants of Tikehau and Rangiroa visit the island to produce copra and catch turtles . One of the main activities of local residents is the cultivation of vanilla .
See also
- List of French Polynesian Islands