Aitutaki

Aitutaki is a coral atoll in the Cook Islands, a group of islands inPolynesia, in the South Pacific Ocean. It is the second-most visited island in the Cook Islands, after Rarotonga. The island has a population of around 2,000 people, who are mainly of Polynesian descent.

Aitutaki is known for its white sandy beaches, crystal-clear lagoon, and coral reefs, making it a popular destination for tourists and snorkelers. The island has a number of luxury resorts and hotels, which cater to high-end tourists. The island's lagoon is also home to a large number of marine life, including manta rays, sharks, and tropical fish.

Aitutaki was first settled by Polynesian voyagers from the eastern isles at around 1200 AD. The island was uninhabited when Captain William Pitt Bligh of the HMS Providence was shipwrecked there in 1789. The island was later annexed by the United Kingdom in 1890, along with the rest of the Cook Islands. In 1965, the Cook Islands gained internal self-government from New Zealand, with the United Kingdom retaining responsibility for defense and foreign affairs.

Economically, Aitutaki is largely dependent on tourism and fishing. The island has a number of commercial fisheries operating within its Exclusive Economic Zone, which includes tuna and other seafood. The island also has a number of small-scale farmers who grow crops such as coconut, breadfruit, and taro.

Aitutaki has a tropical climate, with warm temperatures and high humidity throughout the year. The island is susceptible to cyclones, which can bring strong winds and heavy rainfall. Efforts are being made to develop sustainable tourism practices on the island, which will help to preserve its unique environment and cultural heritage.