Rakahanga

Rakahanga is one of the northern group of islands forming part of the Cook Islands. It is located approximately 1,111 kilometers (690 miles) north-northwest of Rarotonga.

Geography: Rakahanga is an atoll, consisting of two larger islands and several smaller islets surrounding a central lagoon. The total land area is approximately 4 square kilometers (1.5 square miles). The atoll is low-lying, with the highest point only a few meters above sea level.

People and Culture: The population of Rakahanga is small, with the majority of residents being Cook Islands Māori. The people of Rakahanga have a unique dialect of Cook Islands Māori, closely related to that of Manihiki. Traditional crafts, such as weaving and carving, are still practiced. The main economic activities include copra production, fishing, and pearl farming.

History: Rakahanga was likely settled centuries ago by Polynesians. The first recorded European sighting was by the Spanish expedition of Pedro Fernández de Quirós in 1606. The island came under British control in the late 19th century and was later administered as part of the Cook Islands. The Cook Islands became self-governing in free association with New Zealand in 1965.

Administration: Rakahanga is administered as part of the Cook Islands and is represented in the Cook Islands Parliament. Local government is managed by an Island Council.

Environment: Rakahanga is vulnerable to the effects of climate change, including sea-level rise and extreme weather events. Conservation efforts are underway to protect the atoll's fragile ecosystem.