W
 Map of Marakei |
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| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Pacific Ocean |
| Coordinates | 2°00′N 173°17′E / 2.000°N 173.283°E |
| Archipelago | Gilbert Islands |
| Area | 14.13 km2 (5.456 sq mi) |
| Highest elevation | 3 m (10 ft) |
| Country | |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 2,872 (as of 2010 Census) |
| Density | 203 /km2 (526 /sq mi) |
| Ethnic groups | I-Kiribati 98.9% |
Marakei is a small atoll in the North Gilbert Islands. The central lagoon consists of numerous deep basins and surrounded by two large islands which are separated by two narrow channels. The atoll covers an area of 13.5 km².
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Geography[edit]
The total land area of Marakei is 14.13 square kilometers. A road circles the island and is 26 kilometers long while the length of the island from the airport and running through the lagoon to Teraereke at southern portion of the island is 9.93 kilometers. It widest width can be found in the village of Rawannawi and narrowest width at Temotu at the western side of the island. Marakei is one of only two islands in Kiribati that encircles its lagoon. The Marakei lagoon is saltwater and deep in some areas, but not tidal. Two narrow channels, which are not navigable at low tide, link the lagoon with the sea; these are called Baretoa Pass and Raweta Pass.[1]
Rawata Pass was the location of an obstruction in 1912 after inter-village conflict.
Villages[edit]
The main village is Rawannawi, which at the time of the 2010 Census[2] was home to just over a third of the island's 2,872 people.
| Rawannawi | 1000 inhabitants |
| Temotu | 164 inhabitants |
| Buota | 339 inhabitants |
| Tekarakan | 358 inhabitants |
| Bwainuna | 310 inhabitants |
| Norauea | 321 inhabitants |
| Tekuanga | 217 inhabitants |
| Antai | 163 inhabitants |
Visiting Marakei[edit]
The "katabenin" is a tradition unique to Marakei; first time visitors need to pay their respects to the four ghosts of Marakei, travelling anticlockwise, before any other activities. Offerings of tobacco, sweets or money at the shrines of Nei Reei, Nei Rotebenua, Nei Tangangau and Nei Nantekimam will secure a happy stay in Marakei.
Airport[edit]
Marakei is served by Marakei Airport at the northern tip of the island (close to the village of Rawannawi). Air Kiribati runs three flights each week to Abaiang and the international airport at Tarawa.
Accommodation[edit]
The Council guesthouse on Marakei is situated right on the ocean, just outside the main village of Rawannawi.[3] Like all Island Council guesthouses in Kiribati, facilities are basic and food is what is available locally, however its spectacular location and the Marakei tradition of hospitality mean that a stay in the Marakei guesthouse can be a once in a lifetime experience for the well prepared traveler.
References[edit]
- ^ "Marakei Island Report". Office of the President, Republic of Kiribati. Retrieved 14 March 2013.
- ^ "Kiribati Census Report 2010 Volume 1". National Statistics Office, Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, Government of Kiribati. Retrieved 17 March 2013.
- ^ "Kiribati Tourism Outer Islands Accommodation Guide". Government of Kiribati. July 2012. Retrieved 9 March 2013.
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Coordinates: 2°00′N 173°16′E / 2.000°N 173.267°E
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