Nihiru
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
LocationPacific Ocean
Coordinates16°44′S 142°50′W / 16.733°S 142.833°W
ArchipelagoTuamotus
Area79 km2 (31 sq mi) (lagoon)
20 km2 (8 sq mi) (above water)
20 km2 (8 sq mi) (above water)
 NASA picture of Nihiru Atoll | |
  Nihiru | |
| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Pacific Ocean |
| Coordinates | 16°44′S 142°50′W / 16.733°S 142.833°W |
| Archipelago | Tuamotus |
| Area | 79 km2 (31 sq mi) (lagoon) 20 km2 (8 sq mi) (above water) |
| Length | 14 km (8.7 mi) |
| Width | 10.5 km (6.52 mi) |
| Administration | |
France | |
| Overseas collectivity | French Polynesia |
| Administrative subdivision | Tuamotus |
| Commune | Makemo |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 11[1] (2012) |
Nihiru, or Niukia, is one of the Tuamotu atolls in French Polynesia. It is a relatively small atoll located 49 km to the east of Makemo Atoll and 30 km northeast of Marutea Atoll.
Nihiru Atoll is roughly triangular in shape. It measures 14 km in length with a maximum width of 10.5 km. Its lagoon has an area of 79 km2.
Nihiru had 11 inhabitants in 2012, most of whom originated from Taenga.
The first recorded European to arrive to Nihiru was Russian oceanic explorer Fabian Gottlieb von Bellingshausen in 1820 on ships Vostok and Mirni. He named this atoll "Nigeri".
