Fakaofo, Coral atoll in Tokelau, New Zealand.
Fakaofo is a coral atoll in Tokelau comprising 61 islets arranged around a central lagoon in the South Pacific. The sheltered waters of the lagoon are surrounded by narrow strips of land that form the individual islets.
A whaling ship discovered the atoll in 1835 and gave it several names before the local name Fakaofo became established. By the mid-1900s, the islands had developed into organized communities with distinct settlement patterns.
The name Fakaofo comes from Tokelauan words meaning "gathering place," reflecting how communities gather on the islets for shared activities and celebrations. Daily life centers around fishing and taro cultivation, with residents spending much time in and around the lagoon.
The atoll is home to two main settlements on different islets that you can visit by local boat. Visitors should be prepared for basic infrastructure and limited services typical of a remote Pacific atoll.
Residents have built concrete walls standing 5 meters high around portions of the atoll to defend against rising ocean levels. These defensive structures show how communities here are actively adapting to climate challenges facing the Pacific islands.
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