Kauehi
Atoll in French Polynesia
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Kauehi, or Putake,[2] is an atoll in the Tuamotu group in French Polynesia. The nearest land is Raraka Atoll, located 17 km to the Southeast. Kauehi has a wide lagoon measuring 24 km by 18 km. The atoll has a lagoon area of 320 km2 (124 sq mi), and a land area of 16 km2 (6 sq mi). Kauehi's lagoon has one navigable pass.
16 km2 (6 sq mi) (above water)
 NASA picture of Kauehi Atoll | |
  Kauehi | |
| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Pacific Ocean |
| Coordinates | 15°52′S 145°8′W |
| Archipelago | Tuamotus |
| Area | 320 km2 (120 sq mi) (lagoon) 16 km2 (6 sq mi) (above water) |
| Length | 24 km (14.9 mi) |
| Width | 18 km (11.2 mi) |
| Administration | |
France | |
| Overseas collectivity | French Polynesia |
| Administrative subdivision | Îles Tuamotu-Gambier |
| Commune | Fakarava |
| Largest settlement | Tearavero |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 257[1] (2012) |
The atoll has 257 inhabitants as of 2012[update]. The main village is called Tearavero.[3]
History
Even though Kauehi Atoll was probably well known to the pearl traders, the first recorded European to visit it was the Beagle's captain Robert FitzRoy in 1835.[3][4] Kauehi was later visited by the United States Exploring Expedition, 1838–1842. Charles Wilkes called the atoll "Vincennes" after his ship.[5]