Manuhangi


Manuhangi is an atoll of the Tuamotu Archipelago in French Polynesia. It is located 68 km southeast of Nengonengo, 52 km west of Paraoa and 845 km east of Tahiti.
Manuhangi Atoll is small in size, with a length of 5.4 km and a maximum width of 3.6 km. It has an oval shape and a coral reef completely enclosing a small lagoon. Manuhangi has a hook-shaped island covering the east and northeast of its reef.

History

The old Paumotu called this small atoll "manu hagi". The atoll has been uninhabited for many years.
The first recorded European who arrived to Manuhangi was English navigator Samuel Wallis in 1767. He named it "Cumberland".

Administration

Administratively Manuhangi belongs to the commune of Hao, which includes Ahunui, Nengonengo, Manuhangi and Paraoa.

Flora and fauna

Manuhangi is a protected area and various species of birds are found in the atoll. Part of the land is planted with coconut palms. Apart from the birds, the fauna of the island primarily consists of coconut crabs.

Economy and infrastructure

Tahitian black pearls are collected and cultivated in the surrounding islands. The island has some houses with permanent structures, cisterns, and water supply from natural wells. Manuhangi has no permanent inhabitant.