southernmost of the Loyalty Islands, a raised coralline limestone and volcanic group in the French overseas country of New Caledonia, southwestern Pacific Ocean. Maré is the highest of the group, rising to 453 feet (138 metres) above sea level, and is 22 miles (35 km) long and 18 miles (29 km) wide. It was annexed by France in 1866 and was Christianized by indigenous teachers from Rarotonga and Samoa. Tadine (Tadinou), on the west coast, is the administrative centre and the site of an airfield. The islanders grow taro, yams, and bananas; copra and oranges are exported. Area 248 square miles (642 square km). Pop. (2004) 7,401.