Tuamotu Archipelago, French Polynesia

Pearl farm, Tuamotu Archipelago, French Polynesia
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:TuamotuPearlFarm.jpg
Author: clesenne


Tuamotu Archipelago is a chain of islands and atolls in French Polynesia. It covers 850 sq km (328 sq mi) and has a population of 16,000 people (2012 estimate).

The Tuamotu Archipelago comprises sixteen communes namely Anaa, Arutua, Fakarava, Fangatau, Hao, Hikueru, Makemo, Manihi, Napuka, Nukutavake, Puka Puka, Rangiroa, Reoa, Takaroa, Tatakoto and Tureia.

The economy of the Tuamotu Archipelago is supported mainly by subsistence agriculture. Lately the islands are also developing its cash economy through black pearl cultivation and copra. Tourism remains under developed in the Tuamotu Archipelago, if compared with elsewhere in French Polynesia.

The first European to arrive in Tuamotu Archipelago was Ferdinand Magellan in 1521. Since then, other European explorers have passed through the area including Portuguese sailor Pedro Fernandes de Queirós in 1606, Dutch mariners Willem Schouten and Jacob Le Maire in 1616.

Islands of the Tuamotu Archipelago

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