Farquhar Atoll

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This map shows only the Farquhar Atoll and not the entire Farquhar Group
This map shows only the Farquhar Atoll and not the entire Farquhar Group
NASA photo of Farquhar Atoll
NASA photo of Farquhar Atoll

The Farquhar Atoll is part of the Farquhar Group of islands in the Seychelles that are part of the Outer Islands. From 1965 to the independence of the Seychelles in 1976, they were a part of the British Indian Ocean Territory. The atoll is located at 10°10′S, 51°08′E. The total area of the atoll, including the large lagoon, is 170.5 km². The land area is 7.5 km².

Farquhar is notable for its high sand dunes, some of which reach to over ten metres in height. The atoll is located about 770 km from Mahé and is the most southerly part of the Seychelles. It was discovered in 1501 by the Portuguese navigator, João da Nova.

The main group of islands form a long curve which describes the eastern side of the atoll. Largest of these are Ile du Nord and Ile du Sud, with the smaller Manaha islands between them. Farther south is Goelettes. To the open western side of the atoll lies the small group known as Trois Îles. The atoll consists of:

  • Île du Nord
  • Île du Sud
  • Manaha Îles
    • Manaha Nord
    • Manaha Milieu
    • Manaha Sud
  • Goelettes
  • Trois Îles
    • Lapin
    • Île de Milieu
    • Depose
  • Bancs de Sable

There is a small settlement on Île du Nord (North Island).

[edit] See also


Coordinates: 10°10′00″S, 51°08′00″E

Languages