Pakin Atoll
 Pakin Atoll from space. Courtesy NASA. | |
  Pakin Location of Pakin Atoll in the Pacific Ocean | |
| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 7°03′32″N 157°48′18″E / 7.059°N 157.805°E |
| Archipelago | Senyavin group of islands |
| Administration | |
Federated States of Micronesia | |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 90-100 |
Pakin Atoll is a small atoll lying off the northwest coast of Pohnpei in the Federated States of Micronesia. Along with the nearby Ant Atoll these islands constitute the Senyavin group of islands.[1]
Pakin has a population of around 90-100 people, all of whom are members of the diasporic Mortlockese community in Sokehs. The community is represented by traditional leadership (Sounirek Pakein) and is recognized as a non-government organization under the name "Pakin Community Association" (PCA). The by-laws and articles of pledge of the PCA were signed on August 28, 2007. Pakin Elementary School and a large Catholic church are located on the largest islet of Nikahlap. The other inhabited islets of Pakin Atoll include Painpwel, Wesetik, Mwanid, and Olamwin. The atoll is a popular site with tourists for diving and snorkelling.
History
[edit]The first recorded sighting by Europeans was by the Spanish vessel "San Jeronimo", commanded by female explorer Isabel Barreto on 21 December 1595 with Pedro Fernández de Quirós as pilot.[2][3]
References
[edit]- ^ Bendure, G. & Friary, N. (1988) Micronesia:A travel survival kit. South Yarra, VIC: Lonely Planet
- ^ Sharp, Andrew The discovery of the Pacific Islands Oxford, 1960, pp.54,55.
- ^ Brand, Donald D. The Pacific Basin: A History of its Geographical Explorations The American Geographical Society, New York, 1967, p.136.
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