The Reef Islands are a loose collection of 16 islands in the in Temotu Province, in the independent nation of Solomon Islands. These islands have historically also been known by the names of Swallow Islands and Matema Islands.
Geography
The islands lie about 80 km (50 mi) north of Nendo, the largest of the Santa Cruz Islands. The center of the group is at approximately 10°12'36" S lat., 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 nearby Tinakula volcano. The island soils are shallow yet fertile.[2]
Map of the Reef Islands. Nukapu and Nupani are not shown, being further north-west of the main group.
Numa Miombilou or "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 small coral reefs:
Malani
Malim
Manuwa
Matumbi.
Separated from these groups are what are called the "outer islands":
Nalongo and Nupani at 10°6'36" S. lat., 165°19'12" E. long., located at about 75 km (45 mi.) northwest of the main group
Nukapu located about 35 km (21 mi.) to the northwest of the main group
Makalom about 17 km (10 mi.) to the northwest of the main group
Pileni about 9 km (5.5 mi.) to the northwest of the main group
Patteson Shoal about 100 km (60 mi.) away from the main group
Population and languages
The total population of the Reef Islands is about 5,600, according to 2003 estimates. This includes a Polynesian community, believed to be descendants of people from northern Tuvalu.