one of the southern Cook Islands, a self-governing state in free association with New Zealand in the South Pacific Ocean. Aitutaki Atoll is volcanic in origin and rises to about 450 feet (140 metres). Its 12 offshore islets, however, are low coral formations. A reef encircles the entire island with an enclosed lagoon that widens to the south. Average annual precipitation exceeds 75 inches (1,900 mm), but there are occasional droughts. The first recorded European discovery was by Capt. William Bligh (Bligh, William) on HMS Bounty. He arrived in 1789, shortly before the famous mutiny occurred, and returned the following year. He is credited with introducing to Aitutaki the papaya, which is now an important export product along with oranges, bananas, tomatoes, and copra. There is a wharf on the west coast at Arutanga, which is the main settlement. Aitutaki has a hospital and an airstrip that was built during World War II. Area (land only) 7.1 square miles (18.3 square km). Pop. (2006 prelim.) 2,194.