Maiao

Coordinates: 17°39′S 150°38′W / 17.650°S 150.633°W / -17.650; -150.633
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Maiʻao
Native name:
Maiʻao
NASA picture of Maiʻao
Geography
LocationPacific Ocean
Coordinates17°39′S 150°38′W / 17.650°S 150.633°W / -17.650; -150.633
ArchipelagoSociety Islands
Total islands2
Major islandsMaiʻao
Area8.8 km2 (3.4 sq mi)
Highest elevation154 m (505 ft)
Administration
Overseas collectivityFrench Polynesia
Demographics
Population299[1]
Pop. density34/km2 (88/sq mi)

Maiʻao, also known as Mai'ao or Maiao in languages other than Tahitian, is an 8.8 km2 (3.4 sq mi) island formation located 78 km (48 mi) southwest of Moʻorea and one of the Windward Islands (French: Îles du Vent) in French Polynesia.

Geography[edit]

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 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).

Administration[edit]

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

References[edit]

  1. ^ Institut Statistique de Polynésie Française (ISPF). "TABLEAU II Population des communes et communes associées de Polynésie française" (PDF) (in French). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2008-02-29. Retrieved 2007-12-02.