Rapa Nui people
Polynesian inhabitants of Easter Island / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Rapa Nui (Rapa Nui: [ˈɾapa ˈnu.i], Spanish: [ˈrapa ˈnu.i]) are the indigenous Polynesian peoples of Easter Island. The easternmost Polynesian culture, the descendants of the original people of Easter Island make up about 60% of the current Easter Island population and have a significant portion of their population residing in mainland Chile. They speak both the traditional Rapa Nui language and the primary language of Chile, Spanish.[2] At the 2017 census there were 7,750 island inhabitants—almost all living in the village of Hanga Roa on the sheltered west coast.
Total population | |
---|---|
9,399[1] | |
Regions with significant populations | |
Chile (particularly Easter Island) | |
Languages | |
Rapa Nui, Spanish (Chilean Spanish) | |
Religion | |
Christianity, Rapa Nui mythology | |
Related ethnic groups | |
Oparoan, Tahitian |
As of 2011, Rapa Nui's main source of income derived from tourism, which focuses on the giant sculptures called moai.
Over the past decade, Rapa Nui activists have been fighting for self-determination and sovereignty over their lands.[3][clarification needed] Protests in 2010 and 2011 by the indigenous Rapa Nui on Easter Island, objecting to the creation of a marine park and reserve,[4] have led to clashes with Chilean police.[5][6]