Rapa Iti
Geography
Rapa is an island of the Bass Islands in French Polynesia (but often considered as part of the Austral Islands). The island has a small but well-protected central bay that is surrounded by a ring of relatively high mountains. There are also several small islets around the main island (for example Tauturau and Tapui). The climate is temperate and moist, rains being frequent and cloud and fog are not uncommon. The temperature seldom rises above 23°C (73°F) in the summer, but during winter the temperature can drop below 9°C (48°F) some nights. There are two settlements on the islands: Ahuréi (the main town on the southern shore of that bay) and 'Area (a small village on the northern shore of the bay). There is not an airport on the island.
Other names: Oparo, Rapa.
Location: 27°36′S 144°20′W.
Area: 40 km2 /14.9 sq mi (The area of the main island is 38.5 km2, 1.5 km2 is the area of the offshore islands)
Highest point: 650 m/ 2,130 ft (Mount Perau)
Population: 530 (in 2016)
Main town: Ahuréi (sometimes called Ahurei, Ha'urei or Ha'uréi) - The town is the southernmost permanently inhabited settlement where French is an official language (not counting settlements with no civilian population).
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| Map of Rapa Iti |
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| Rapa Iti |
History
13th century – Polynesians settled on the island.
22 December 1791 - George Vancouver discovered Rapa Iti for Europe.
Between 1824 and 1830 over three-quarters of the natives died. The reduction of the population was caused by diseases that had been brought by Europeans. Peruvian slavers raids and alcohol caused further reduction in the numbers of the people.
The population of Rapa Iti
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Year
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1,500 (estimated by Vancouver)
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1791
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2,000 (estimated by Davis)
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1826
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300 (according to Moerenhout)
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1834
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182 (census)
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1911
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266
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1935
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1867 – The island was declared a French protectorate.
6 March 1881 – The island was annexed by France. As a result, the native monarchy was abolished.
1887 – Rapa Iti was attached for the administrative purpose to the Austral group.
Sources
Pacific Islands Volume II Eastern Pacific Naval Intelligence Division 1943
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