southernmost of the southern group of the Cook Islands, a self-governing state in free association with New Zealand in the South Pacific Ocean. A raised coral atoll, it has a volcanic interior, rising to Rangimotia (554 feet 【169 metres】), which is encircled first by a swampy region and then by coral limestone cliffs 200–300 feet (60–90 metres) high. Discovered (1777) by the English navigator Capt. James Cook, Mangaia has some manganese ore deposits and areas of fertile red soils on which pineapples, citrus fruits, copra, tomatoes, and coffee are grown. Export shipping is hampered by an outlying barrier reef and the lack of a lagoon harbour. Area (land only) 20 square miles (52 square km). Pop. (2006 prelim.) 654.