Gambier Islands, French Polynesia

Aukena, Gambier Islands, French Polynesia
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Tour.de.guet.Aukena.2.JPG
Author: FRED


Gambier Islands is a small group of islands on the southeastern edge of the Tuamotu Archipelago in French Polynesia. However they are considered separate from the Tuamotus, as their inhabitants speak the Mangarevan language and practise a culture more closely related to the Marquesas Islands. As such, they are also often called the Mangareva Islands.

Gambier Islands cover 31 sq km (12 sq mi) and has a population of 1,400 people (2012 estimate). The main village here is Rikitea, on the island of Mangareva, the largest of the Gambier Islands.

Tauna, Gambier Islands
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tauna.JPG
Author: FRED


Gambier Islands comprise two groups: Gambier Group, Acteon Group and the coral atolls of Marutea Sud, Maria Est and Morane. Islands in the Gambier Group are Akamaru, Angakauitai, Apou, Atumata, Aukena, Gaioio, Kamaka Island, Kouaku, Makapu, Makaroa, Mangareva, Manui, Mekiro, Motu-O-Ari, Motu Teiku, Papuri, Puaumu, Rumarei, Tarauru Roa, Taravai, Tauna, Teauaone, Teauotu, Tekava, Teohootepohatu, Tepapuri, Tepu Nui, Tenoko, Tokorua, Totengengie, Tuaeu and Vaiatekeue. The Acteon Group comprises the uninhabited islands of Matureivavao, Tenararo, Tenarunga and Vahanga.

A coral reef encircles the Gambier Islands, interrupted at three points by passages into the open sea. The islands once supported a higher population than today, particularly before the 15th century. There was trade links with the peoples of the Society Islands and Pitcairn Islands. Regular civil war between different clans led to a reduction in the population and the severence of trade ties with the other islands.

Boat terminal at Totegegie, Gambier Islands
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Totegegie.2009.JPG
Author: FRED

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