Raeffsky Islands
The Raeffsky Islands or Raevski Islands is a subgroup with just over 3000 people in the Tuamotu group in French Polynesia. They are located roughly in the central area of the main Tuamotu atoll cluster. Named after Nikolay Raevsky, a Russian general of the Napoleonic wars.Atolls
The Raeffsky Islands include the following atolls:
- Anaa
- Faaite
- Tahanea
- Motutunga
- Takume
- Raroia
- Taenga
- Nihiru
- Makemo
- Katiu
- Tuanake
- Hiti
- Tepoto, Tepoto Sud
- Marutea Nord
- Haraiki
- Aratika
- Kauehi
- Taiaro
- Raraka
Administration
- The commune of Anaa consists of 4 atolls: Anaa, Faaite, Tahanea and Motutunga. The total population is of 639 inhabitants according to the 2002 census.
- The commune of Makemo consists of 11 atolls: Makemo, Takume, Raroia, Taenga, Nihiru, Kaitu, Tuanake, Hiti, Tepoto , Marutea Nord and Haraiki. The total population is of 964 inhabitants according to the 2002 census.
- The commune of Fakarava consists of 7 atolls in Raeffsky Group: Fakarava, Aratika, Kauehi, Niau, Raraka, Taiaro and Toau. The total population is of 1511 inhabitants.
The ring-shaped atoll Taiaro provides a rare example of a coral reef with a fully enclosed lagoon. The atoll was officially designated as a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 1977.
