Rikitea

Rikitea is the main town and port of Mangareva Island in the Gambier Islands, French Polynesia. It serves as the administrative center for the Gambier Islands and is the principal settlement on Mangareva. The town is located on the island’s coastal area, facing the lagoon and surrounding reefs.

In the 19th century, Rikitea developed as an important mission and administrative hub for the archipelago, reflecting the broader pattern of European contact and the spread of Christianity in French Polynesia. Today it retains remnants of colonial-era buildings and houses the island’s government offices, church facilities, and services.

Rikitea has a relatively small population and functions as the service center for commerce, education, and local governance for Mangareva and nearby islets. The town hosts a local market and various public facilities serving residents and visitors.

The economy is driven by government administration, education, small-scale fishing, and agriculture, with tourism playing a supporting role. Access is primarily via Mangareva Airport, which provides regular flights to Tahiti and other parts of French Polynesia, complemented by ferry or boat links from Tahiti to the Gambier Islands.

Culturally, Rikitea reflects a blend of traditional Polynesian practices and French influence. The surrounding Gambier Islands are known for their coral reefs, lagoons, and scenic landscapes that attract researchers and travelers interested in Polynesian history and maritime environments.