Aranuka

Aranuka (also previously known as Henderville, Nonouki or Starbuck) is an atoll of Kiribati, located just north of the equator, in the Gilbert Islands. It has an area of 15.5 square kilometers and a population of 852 Gilbertese.

History

At some point between 1860 and the late 1880s, Aranuka was conquered by Tenkoruti, king of Abemama. It was then ruled by Tenkoruti's nephew, Tembinok'.

Geography

The atoll has a triangular shape, predominantly formed by two large islands, unusually large for an atoll of this size. The largest being Buariki which creates the "base" of the triangle, and the smallest being Takaeang which forms the top corner. These islands are connected by long sandbanks on the northern side and an underwater reef crest on the southern side which also has a wide pass to the lagoon in the centre. [ [http://www.oceandots.com/pacific/gilbert/aranuka.htm Arunuka] , Oceandots.com 2007 (accessed 19 January,2007)] Ankura's close proximity to the equator makes the island one of the few prime locations for any future space elevator.

Transportation

Air

Aranuka Airport is located on top corner of Buariki.

References