Nikunau

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Nikunau
ISS photo from Nikunau
ISS photo from Nikunau
Waters Pacific Ocean
Archipelago Gilbert Islands
Geographical location 1 ° 21 ′  S , 176 ° 27 ′  E Coordinates: 1 ° 21 ′  S , 176 ° 27 ′  E
Nikunau (Gilbert Islands)
Nikunau
length 14.2 km
width 2.5 km
surface 18.2 km²
Residents 1912 (2005)
105 inhabitants / km²
main place Rungata
On the historical map (1943–1945) the four remains of the former lagoon are still shown as one continuous body of water.
On the historical map (1943–1945) the four remains of the former lagoon are still shown as one continuous body of water.

Nikunau is an upscale atoll that belongs to the Gilbert Islands archipelago . Politically, the island belongs to the state of Kiribati .

geography

Nikunau consists of two unequal parts, which are connected by a narrow isthmus, less than two hundred meters wide at its narrowest point . In the northern part of the island there are four hypersaline lakes, the remains of the former lagoon , from north to south:

lake Area
( ha )
Tabakea Pond 6.7
Bekubeku Pond 10.9
Kabangaki Pond 7.7
Neinriki (Riki) Pond 18.0
Lakes together 43.4

A narrow reef surrounds the island. The island has a fairly dense vegetation of coconut palms and screw trees .

population

The island is populated by around 1,900 people. These are spread over six villages on the west coast, each with its own maneaba listed below from north to south. Only the last two are on the southern part of the island:

settlement Population
(1978 census) 		Population
(2005 census)
Muribenua 274 240
Tabutoa 202 139
Rungata 624 933
Manriki 263 197
Nikumanu 345 316
Tabomatang 121 87
Nikunau 1829 1912

The figures in the comparison of the 1978 and 2005 censuses show a process of concentration: the main town Rungata increased, the other towns decreased.

Culture

Nikunau is known within Kiribati for its long botakis (celebrations), which can last an evening, but also up to a month, but also for the many flies .

surfing

The island is a surfer's paradise. The normal waves are between 60 cm and 2.4 m high. However, on the north coast near the airfield, there are the largest waves on the island due to a tidal meeting point. Different waves meet here and cause larger waves and currents.

traffic

The island is about of Air Kiribati serviced airfield Nikunau connected to the other islands of the archipelago.

Individual evidence

  1. ^ Report of the 1978 Census of Population and Housing. Republic of Kiribati 1980, Vol. 1, p. 181
  2. ^ Report of the 1978 Census of Population and Housing. Republic of Kiribati 1980, Vol. 1, pp. 6-7
  3. ↑ 2005 census (PDF, English)
  4. ↑ Information brochure of the US Peace Corps (English, pdf) ( Memento of the original from February 13, 2012 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. , Page 30f "Social Activities" @1@ 2Template: Webachiv / IABot / www.peacecorps.gov

Web links