Geography of Tahiti Island


A tropical refuge in the South Pacific is called Tahiti. Tahiti's jagged volcanic highlands, lush rainforests, and beautiful lagoons surrounded by coral reefs captivate tourists. Tahiti is well known for its stunning scenery and unique cultural history. Tahiti Iti, which is more remote and inaccessible and can only be reached by boat or foot, and Tahiti Nui, which is more populous and home to the vibrant capital city of Papeete, are the two separate sections of the island. A few examples of the diverse natural vegetation that the island's favourable environment, which is characterized by abundant rainfall and high temperatures, supports include coconut palms, pandanus, and tropical fruit trees.

Tahitian and French are the official languages of Tahiti, a nation with a long history and rich culture. Its inhabitants have strong ties to Christianity. Tahiti offers visitors a very unique experience of culture and natural beauty, from its endearing waterfalls to its magnificent sunsets.

Physical Features

The largest and highest island in French Polynesia, Tahiti, is located near to Mooree island. It is situated 5,700 km (3,078 nmi) from Australia and 7,900 km (4,266 nmi) from Chile. It is situated 2,376 nautical miles (2,400 km) south of Hawai'i. The island has a total size of 1,045 km2 (403 sq mi) and is 45 km (28 mi) across at its widest point. Mont Orohena (Moua Orohena), at 2,241 meters (7,352 feet), is the highest summit. Mount Roonui, or Mount Ronui (Moua Rnui), rises to a height of 1,332 meters (4,370 feet) in the southeast. The island is divided into two nearly circular halves by a narrow isthmus of Taravao, which are surrounded by volcanic mountains in the middle.

Tahiti Iti ("small Tahiti") or Taiarap is the name of the much smaller southeastern area; Tahiti Nui ("big Tahiti") is the name of the larger northwest region. Tahiti Nui is densely inhabited along the shore, particularly in and around Papeete, the nation's capital. Nearly the whole interior of Tahiti Nui is deserted. Tahiti Iti has maintained its isolation since only boat or foot travellers can access its southeast region, Te Pari. A primary road that runs between the mountains and the sea completely encircles the remaining portion of the island. The geography of Tahiti is characterized by dense rainforests, numerous rivers, and waterfalls, such as the Papenoo on the island's northern coast and the Fautaua Falls close to Papeete.

Climate

The rainy season lasts from November to April, with January being the wettest month with 340 millimeters (13 in) of rain in Papeete. With 48 millimeters (1.9 in), August is the driest month. With little seasonal change, the average temperature is between 21 and 31 0C (70 and 88 0F). Papeete has experienced temperatures as low as 16 0C (61 0F) and as high as 34 0C (93 0F), respectively.

Demographics

As of the 2002 census, there were 169,674 people living on the island. Tahiti was home to 69 percent of French Polynesia's population at the time. There were 127,635 people living in the city of Papeete, which is the capital. Most people in French Polynesia are Christians. French Polynesians make up 54% of the population who are Protestant, 30% who are Roman Catholic, and 16% who are classed as "other." Along with French, Tahitian is one of French Polynesia's two official languages. It is an Eastern Polynesian language related to Hawaiian, Mori from New Zealand, and Rarotongan.

Over the age of 14, 98 percent of people can read and write. Education is provided by France. The institution of French Polynesia, a tiny French institution with roughly 2,000 students and 60 researchers, is situated on Tahiti. Pascal Ortega (lightning studies) and Alessio Guarino (nonlinear physics) are two of the physicists who are involved. Sociologist Laura Schuft has drawn notice for her research on the integration of French mainland employees in Tahiti in the human sciences division.

Biodiversity

The narrow Isthmus of Taravao connects Tahiti Nui and Tahiti Iti (the Taiarapu Peninsula), two anciently eroded volcanic cones that make up the island of Tahiti. With a surface size of 403 square miles (1,043 square km), the island makes up roughly one-third of French Polynesia's entire land area. The capital and administrative headquarters of French Polynesia are located in Papeete, which is located on Tahiti's northwest coast.

Aside from a rich coastal plain, Tahiti's geography is rough and rugged, reaching Roniu (4,340 feet [1,323 meters]) on Tahiti Iti and Mount Orohena (7,339 feet [2,237 feet]) on Tahiti Nui. Numerous fast rivers flow down to the coast, the largest of which is the Papenoo in the north. Lagoons and coral reefs surround the 33 miles (53 km) long island. Coconut palms, pandanus, hibiscus, and tropical fruit trees are examples of natural vegetation.

Conclusion

Tahiti, has a breathtaking landscape made up of volcanic mountains, thick rainforests, rivers, waterfalls, and lagoons. The island, which is divided into Tahiti Nui and Tahiti Iti, offers a variety of landscapes, with the former being more heavily populated than the latter. Tropical weather prevails there, with little seasonal temperature variation and a wet season lasting from November to April.

Tahitian and French are the official languages, and the majority of the population of Tahiti lives in and around the capital city of Papeete. France provides the educational system, and French Polynesia is located on the island. On the island, there is a diverse range of tropical fruit trees, hibiscus, pandanus, coconut palms, and luxuriant greenery.

FAQs

1. Where is Tahiti located?

French Polynesia's largest island, Tahiti, is located in the South Pacific.

2. What is the size of Tahiti?

Approximately 1,045 square kilometers (403 square miles) total land area make up Tahiti.

3. What are the main features of Tahiti's geography?

Volcanic mountains, thick jungles, rivers, waterfalls, and lagoons make up Tahiti's landscape.

Qns 4. What is the climate like in Tahiti?

Tahiti has a tropical climate with low seasonal temperature variation and a rainy season from November to April.

5. How is the population distributed on the island?

The bulk of Tahitians live in Tahiti Nui, mostly in and around the city of Papeete.

6. What languages are spoken in Tahiti?

The two official languages of French Polynesia, which includes Tahiti, are Tahitian and French.

7. What is the education system like on the island?

France offers educational services, and Tahiti is home to a French Polynesia institution.

8. What is the biodiversity like on the island?

Rich vegetation, coconut palms, pandanus, hibiscus, and other tropical fruit trees are among Tahiti's biodiversity features.

Updated on: 19-Jan-2024

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