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The volcanic islands are sometimes also known as the Tubuai Islands. The group comprises seven islands, plus islets, with a total land area of c.115 sq mi (300 sq km). Tubuai, the largest island (c.17 sq mi/44 sq km), was visited by Capt. James Cook in 1777 and was annexed by France in 1880. 

European diseases and slavers very nearly wiped out the native Polynesian population of the islands, especially on Rapa. In 1938, French authorities imposed strict regulations on immigration and tourism. Coffee, arrowroot, tobacco, and copra are produced on the islands.

The Australs are famous for their arts - elaborate woodcarvings and enormous stone tikis - although the missionaries succeeded in destroying the ancient techniques and today there are almost no traditional artisans. The Australs are quite varied, although they have none of the fecund vegetation of the Societies to the north, and feature limestone caverns, ruined temples (maraes) and hilltop fortresses (pas) on the territory's southernmost island, Rapa.

Far removed from the distractions of civilisation, these hard working fishermen and farmers live quiet, contented lives in their villages where houses and churches are often built of coral limestone.


Rurutu

Rurutu is the most northerly of the Austral Islands, located 572 km. (355 miles) southwest of Tahiti. A very pretty island with a circumference of 32 km. (20 miles), Rurutu's highest mountain, Taatioe, reaches an elevation of 389 meters (1,270 ft). 

In the main village of Moerai there is a gendarmerie, a post office with telephone facilities, an infirmary with doctor and dentist, two branches of Tahiti banks, four small stores and two bakeries, a couple of snack bars and a butcher shop. An electric station provides 24-hour service, a radio and TV video station gives news and entertainment, and there are primary and high schools. Moerai and the villages of Avera and Hauti are home to the island's 2,015 inhabitants.