Reef Islands

TheReef Islandsare a loose collection of 16 islands in the inTemotu Province,in the independent nation ofSolomon Islands.These islands have historically also been known by the names ofSwallow IslandsandMatema Islands.

Geography[edit]

The islands lie about 80 km (50 mi) north ofNendo,the largest of theSanta Cruz Islands.The center of the group is at approximately 10°12'36 "Slat., 166°10'12 "E.long.The islands are raised some five metres on the east and tilted west.^[1]The islands are subject to tidal surges caused by cyclones and volcanic activity from nearbyTinakulavolcano. The island soils are shallow yet fertile.^[2]

The islands oratollsof the group are:

Numa Miombilouor "Great Reef" is one continuous shoal, extending about 25 km (16 mi) west of Nifiloli. About 10 km (6.2 mi) to the south of this shoal are 4 smallcoral reefs:

Malani
Malim
Manuwa
Matumbi.

Separated from these groups are what are called the "outer islands":

Nalongo and Nupaniat 10°6'36 "S.lat., 165°19'12 "E.long., located at about 75 km (45 mi.) northwest of the main group
Nukapulocated about 35 km (21 mi.) to the northwest of the main group
Makalomabout 17 km (10 mi.) to the northwest of the main group
Pileniabout 9 km (5.5 mi.) to the northwest of the main group
Patteson Shoalabout 100 km (60 mi.) away from the main group

Population and languages[edit]

The total population of the Reef Islands is about 5,600, according to 2003 estimates. This includes aPolynesiancommunity, believed to be descendants of people from northernTuvalu.

Two very different languages are spoken in the Reef Islands, bothOceanic,yet genealogically and typologically very different. The inhabitants ofPileni,Matema,NupaniandNukapu,speakVaeakau-Taumako(a.k.a.Pileni), aPolynesian outlier language.The remainingMelanesian(non-Polynesian) population speaksÄiwoo,a member of theReefs–Santa Cruz groupofOceanic.^[3]

References[edit]

^"Reef Islands".Solomon Islands Historical Encyclopaedia 1893-1978.Retrieved22 June2018.
^"Reef Islands - John Seach".Volcano Live.Retrieved22 June2018.
^Boerger, Brenda; Næss, Åshild; Vaa, Anders; Emerine, Rachel; Hoover, Angela. 2012.Sociological factors in Reefs-Santa Cruz language vitality: a 40 year retrospective.International Journal of the Sociology of Language.Volume 2012, Issue 214, Pages 111–152, ISSN (Online) 1613-3668, ISSN (Print) 0165-2516, DOI: 10.1515/ijsl-2012-0023.

v t e IslandsofSolomon Islandsby province
Central	Nggela Islands Gavutu Tanambogo Tulagi Russell Islands Aeaun Mbanika Pavuvu Savo
Choiseul	Choiseul Cyprian Bridge Island Nuatambu Rob Roy Taro Wagina
Guadalcanal	Guadalcanal Korasahalu Marau Sound Marapa Nughu Tavanipupu Vulelua
Isabel	Arnarvon Furona Island Kerehikapa Mahige Maleivona Ramos San Jorge Santa Isabel Sikopo
Makira-Ulawa	Ali'ite Makira Malaulalo Malaupaina Pio Olu Malau Owaraha Owariki Ugi Ulawa
Malaita	Alite Anuta Paina Langa Langa Lagoon Laulasi Lau Lagoon Adagege Funaafou Sulufou Maana'omba Malaita Maramasike Mbasakana Ndai Ontong Java Roncador Reef Sikaiana Faore Matuavi Tehaolei
Rennell and Bellona	Bellona Indispensable Reefs North Reef Rennell
Temotu	Anuta Duff Islands Bass Islands Tahua Taumako Fatutaka Reef Islands Fenualoa Lomlom Makalom Matema Nalongo and Nupani Ngalo Ngandeli Ngatendo Ngawa Nibanga Nendi Nibanga Temau Nifiloli Nukapu Patteson Shoal Pigeon Pileni Santa Cruz Islands Banie Malo Nendö Teanu Temotu Noi Tinakula Utupua Vanikoro Tikopia
Western	Mborokua New Georgia Islands Akara Arundel Ghizo Ghoi Kennedy Kiambe Kingguru Kolombangara Liapari Logha Lola Lumbari Marovo Matikuri Mbava Mbulo Mondomondo Nakaza Naru New Georgia Nggatokae Nusatupe Olasana Ranongga Rendova Simbo Telina Tetepare Uepi Vangunu Vella Lavella Vonavona Shortland Islands Balalae Faisi Fauro Magusaiai Masamasa Ovau Pirumeri Shortland Treasury Islands Mono Stirling

Reef Islands

Geography[edit]

Population and languages[edit]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

Other links[edit]