Îles Maria
Atoll in French Polynesia / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Îles Maria or simply Maria, also known as Hull Island,[2] is a small coral atoll in the Pacific Ocean. Its original name is Nororotu. The nearest island is Rimatara situated 205 kilometres (127 miles) to the ESE.
Native name: Nororotu | |
---|---|
Geography | |
Location | Pacific Ocean |
Coordinates | 21°48′S 154°41′W |
Archipelago | Australes |
Total islands | 4 |
Area | 1.9 km2 (0.73 sq mi) |
Administration | |
France | |
Overseas collectivity | French Polynesia |
Administrative subdivision | Australes |
Commune | Rimatara |
Demographics | |
Population | Uninhabited[1] (2012) |
The atoll consists of four islets (îles), with a dense atoll forest[3] and a very shallow lagoon, supporting numerous bird species.[4] The atoll is uninhabited now, but at one time was the site of a penal colony.[5] Copra is occasionally harvested at the island.[4]
The four islands are:
- Île du Sud
- Île Centrale
- Île de l' Ouest
- Île du Nordêt
The Îles Maria should not be confused with Maria Atoll in the Gambier Islands, also in French Polynesia, which is sometimes differentiated with the name "Maria Est" (East).[6] There is also another island once known as Hull Island in the Phoenix Islands, which is now known as Orona.