Takume

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Takume or Pukamaru is an atoll of the Tuamotus chain in French Polynesia, located 790 km (490 mi) northeast of Tahiti and 6 km (3.7 mi) northeast of Raroia and 128 km (80 mi) to the west of Fangatau.

This elongated atoll measures 24 km (15 mi) by 5 km (3.1 mi). Its lagoon has an area of 43.5 km² (16.8 sq mi).

Takume has many small motus on its reef; most are located on its eastern fringes. The long and deep lagoon has one navigable pass to enter it.

Takume Atoll has 93 inhabitants. The main village is Ohomo.

[edit] History

Takume and Raroia were called Napaite, "the Twins" (ite, two), by the ancient Paumotu people.

The first recorded European to arrive to Takume was Russian oceanic explorer Fabian Gottlieb von Bellingshausen in 1820 on ships Vostok and Mirni. He named this atoll "Volonsky".

Takume Airport was inaugurated in 1996.

[edit] Administration

Administratively Takume is a part of the commune of Makemo. The commune of Makemo consists of the atolls of Makemo, Haraiki, Marutea Nord, Katiu, Tuanake, Hiti, Tepoto Sud, Raroia, Takume, Taenga and Nihiru.