Mururoa

Mururoa, also known as Mururua, is an atoll in the southern Pacific Ocean, part of French Polynesia. It is located approximately 1,250 kilometers (780 miles) southeast of Tahiti. The atoll consists of a horseshoe-shaped coral reef that encloses a lagoon. It is uninhabited except for a small military and scientific presence.

Historically, Mururoa gained international prominence as the site of French nuclear weapons testing. From 1966 to 1996, France conducted atmospheric and underground nuclear tests at Mururoa and the nearby Fangataufa atoll. These tests were part of France's nuclear weapons program, aimed at developing and maintaining a credible nuclear deterrent. The testing program generated significant controversy due to environmental concerns and potential health impacts on nearby populations, although France maintains the tests were conducted safely.

Following the cessation of nuclear testing, Mururoa has become a subject of ongoing environmental monitoring. France has invested in studies to assess the long-term impact of the tests and to ensure the stability of the atoll's geological structures. The atoll remains under French sovereignty.