easternmost of the southern Cook Islands, a self-governing state in free association with New Zealand in the South Pacific Ocean. A raised coral atoll of low formation (100 feet 【30 metres】 high), it has a volcanic centre encircled by coral limestone. Its fertile red soils support oranges, coconuts, and beef cattle. The island is covered with high-quality hardwoods, palms, and pandanus pine. Shipping is impeded by the lack of an adequate lagoon behind the outlying coral reef, but the island has an airstrip. Area (land only) 7.1 square miles (18.4 square km). Pop. (2006 prelim.) 393.