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Cook Islands (Includes Rarotonga) (view source)
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'''''Rarotonga''', the ''main island, is volcanic. It has a central volcanic pyramid with sawtooth peaks and ridges covered with tropical jungle. Streams run down the steep valleys. It is surrounded by a lagoon which goes several hundred yards to a reef which slopes to deep water. | '''''Rarotonga''', the ''main island, is volcanic. It has a central volcanic pyramid with sawtooth peaks and ridges covered with tropical jungle. Streams run down the steep valleys. It is surrounded by a lagoon which goes several hundred yards to a reef which slopes to deep water. | ||
[[Image: | [[Image:Im11 -cook islands-.png|thumb|right|300px]] | ||
The island’s name stems from ''raro,'' meaning ''“down,” ''and ''tonga,'' meaning “''south.” ''In 1997,''Japanese ''archaeologists unearthed a previously unknown ''marae'' (sacred site) on ''Motu Tapu'', an islet in the lagoon at ''Nagatangila.'' This is estimated to be 1500 years old (abt. 500 A.D.). | The island’s name stems from ''raro,'' meaning ''“down,” ''and ''tonga,'' meaning “''south.” ''In 1997,''Japanese ''archaeologists unearthed a previously unknown ''marae'' (sacred site) on ''Motu Tapu'', an islet in the lagoon at ''Nagatangila.'' This is estimated to be 1500 years old (abt. 500 A.D.). | ||
Christianity is the dominant religion, brought by the ''London Missionary Society''. LDS Church membership in 2002 in the ''Cook Islands, ''including Rarotonga, was 1,236. | Christianity is the dominant religion, brought by the ''London Missionary Society''. LDS Church membership in 2002 in the ''Cook Islands, ''including Rarotonga, was 1,236. | ||
=== Historical Background === | === Historical Background === | ||