Manuae
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The atoll is formed by two horseshoe-shape islands, Manuae and Auoto (or Te-Au-O-Tu), separated from one another by a lagoon. The two islands, which have a total area of only 6sq.km/3.6sq.mi, consist of coral sand. The islands and the lagoon are surrounded by a continuous coral reef.
Of the two islands only Manuae - an island of coconut plantations - has a permanent, if fluctuating, population. In addition to houses and administrative offices the little settlement has a health center and a number of copra-drying plants. Extra seasonal workers come from the neighboring islands. Outside the lagoon there is an anchorage for seagoing ships while a gap in the reef allows smaller vessels through. The other island, Auoto, can be reached only by boat over the lagoon. Within the lagoon and in the scrub near the shore white and blue herons and some other seabirds make their home. The turtles that are numerous here bring up their young in the lagoon. Visitors can reach Manuae only by boat at irregular intervals.
Of the two islands only Manuae - an island of coconut plantations - has a permanent, if fluctuating, population. In addition to houses and administrative offices the little settlement has a health center and a number of copra-drying plants. Extra seasonal workers come from the neighboring islands. Outside the lagoon there is an anchorage for seagoing ships while a gap in the reef allows smaller vessels through. The other island, Auoto, can be reached only by boat over the lagoon. Within the lagoon and in the scrub near the shore white and blue herons and some other seabirds make their home. The turtles that are numerous here bring up their young in the lagoon. Visitors can reach Manuae only by boat at irregular intervals.
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