Nukuoro

Nukuoro
Nukuoro from space. Courtesy NASA
Map of Nukuoro (without western rim)
Geography
Total islands40
Area40 km2 (15 sq mi)
Length6 km (3.7 mi)
Administration
Federated States of Micronesia
StatePohnpei
Demographics
Population372 (2007)
LanguagesNukuoro
Nukuoro
Location of Nukuoro Atoll in the Pacific Ocean

Nukuoro is an atoll in the Federated States of Micronesia. It is a municipality of the state of Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia. It is the secondmost southern atoll of the country, after Kapingamarangi. They both are Polynesian outliers. As of 2007, Nukuoro had a population of 372, though several hundred Nukuorans live on Pohnpei. Fishing, animal husbandry, and agriculture (taro and copra) are the main occupations. A recent project to farm black pearl oysters has been successful at generating additional income for the island's people.

Nukuoro is remote. It has no airstrip, and a passenger boat calls irregularly only once every few months. The island has no tourism except for the occasional visit by passing sailing yachts. There is a 4-room schoolhouse but children over the age of 14 must travel to Pohnpei to attend high school.