Abemama
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Abemama (also Abamama, Apamama, Dundas, Hopper Island, Roger Simpson Island or Simpson Island) is an atoll in the central part of the Kiribati (Gilberts) Group located 152 kilometres southeast of Tarawa and just north of the Equator.
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[edit] Geography
It has an area of 16 square kilometres and an estimated population of 3,608. The islets surround a deep lagoon. The eastern part of the atoll of Abemama is linked together by causeways making automobile traffic possible between the different islets. The outlying islands of Abatiku and Bike are situated on the southwestern side of the atoll.
The village of Kariatebike serves as the government center for the atoll which includes an administration building, the police station and a hospital.
[edit] History
During the 19th century the Gilbert Islands ruling family had its seat on Ademama.[1] Abemama is known as the island where the Declaration of a British Protectorate was made by Captain Davis of Royalist on 27 May 1892. In 1889 it was also the home of Robert Louis Stevenson. Near Tabontebike is the tomb of tyrant-chief Tem Binoka, who was immortalized by Stevenson in his novel "In the South Seas"
During World War II the American submarine USS Nautilus landed a force of 78 Marine Amphibious Reconnaissance Scouts to seize the island on 21 November 1943. On the morning of 25 November, a native reported to the Marines that the remaining Japanese committed suicide.[2]
Abemama was formerly known as Roger Simpson Island.[3]
[edit] Settlements
| Binoinano |
| Kabangaki |
| Tabiang |
| Tabonua |
| Tebana |
[edit] Transportation
[edit] By air
Abemama Atoll Airport is located on the north end of Abemama near the village of Tabiang. It has regular connections with the international airport in Tarawa four times weekly.
[edit] References
- ^ Canby, Courtlandt. The Encyclopedia of Historic Places. (New York: Facts of File Publicantions, 1984) p. 2
- ^ p.30 Rottman, Gordon L. US Special Warfare Units in the pacific Theatre 1941-1945 Ospery Publishing 2005
- ^ Canby. Historic Places. p. 2
[edit] External links
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