What is "niau"

Niau is a small atoll in French Polynesia, in the commune of Fakarava ( Tuamotu archipelago). This atoll has a broad fringing reef, a diameter of 8 km and an area of 20 km².

Niau's lagoon is swampy, hypersaline and entirely enclosed. The narrow strip of land surrounding the lagoon is covered by marsh vegetation. The lagoon area is 33 km² and it has an unusual green colour.

The only human settlement on Niau is Tupana, population 226 .