Manuhangi Atoll is small in size,[3] with a length of 5.4 km and a maximum width of 3.6 km. It has an oval shape and a coral reef completely enclosing a small lagoon. Manuhangi has a hook-shaped island covering the east and northeast of its reef.
History
The old Paumotu (Tuamotu's inhabitants) called this small atoll "manu hagi" (meaning "the loving bird").[4] The atoll has been uninhabited for many years.[4]
The first recorded European who arrived to Manuhangi was English navigator Samuel Wallis in 1767.[4] He named it "Cumberland".
Administration
Administratively Manuhangi belongs to the commune of Hao (main village: Otepa), which includes Ahunui (uninhabited), Nengonengo, Manuhangi (no permanent inhabitant) and Paraoa (uninhabited).
Flora and fauna
Manuhangi is a protected area and various species of birds are found in the atoll.[4] Part of the land is planted with coconut palms.[5] Apart from the birds, the fauna of the island primarily consists of coconut crabs.[5]
Economy and infrastructure
Tahitian black pearls are collected and cultivated in the surrounding islands.[4] The island has some houses with permanent structures, cisterns, and water supply from natural wells.[5] Manuhangi has no permanent inhabitant.[6]
References
^"Population". Institut de la statistique de la Polynésie française. Archived from the original on 29 March 2020. Retrieved 6 October 2014.
^ ab"Manuhangi". Archived from the original on December 23, 2010. Retrieved 2009-03-14.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)Oceandots.com