Raraka

Template: Infobox Atoll / Maintenance / height Missing

Raraka or Te Marie is an atoll of the Tuamotu Archipelago in French Polynesia. The atoll belongs administratively to the municipality of Fakarava and part community ( commune associée ) Kauehi. Raraka located 18 km south-east of Kauehi and 39 km north- west of Katiu. The Oval Atoll reached an area of ​​26 × 19 km. The lagoon has a navigable access to the sea. The capital and only town of the island is Motupapu in the north of the atoll, east of the passage into the lagoon. The passage is 45 meters wide and 5 meters deep. The population increased between the censuses of 2002 and 2007 from 67 to 72

The north side of the atoll is forested, while the south side is largely bare.

History

On October 1, 1831 Captain discovered Ireland, the captain of the brig Adhemar the atoll. It was later approached by an American Forschungsexpition under Charles Wilkes (1839 - 1842). This reported by approximately 40 residents.