Marquesas Islands

Marquesas Islands, 2 clusters of mountainous and volcanic islands in the South Pacific, about 900 mi (1,400 km) northeast of Tahiti. The islands are governed by France. Their total area is about 492 sq mi (1,274 sq km). The largest islands are Hiva Oa and Nuku Hiva. The population is made up mainly of Polynesians. The islands are fertile, producing breadfruit, coffee, vanilla, and copra (dried coconut meat) for export.