VENT, LES DU

English Windward Group eastern group of islands within the Society Islands, French Polynesia, in the central South Pacific. The group is composed of volcanic islands surrounded by coral reefs. The far larger Tahiti and Moorea (qq.v.) lie at the centre of the group. Maiao, covering about 3 square miles (8 square km) and located some 60 miles (95 km) west of Tahiti, is sparsely populated and is cultivated for copra. Tetiaroa, 25 miles (40 km) north of Tahiti, comprises 13 islets, with a total area of 2.5 square miles (6.5 square km). Mehetia (1 square mile [2.6 square km]), 60 miles (95 km) east of Tahiti, is uninhabited. Makatea (q.v.), a raised coral atoll and geologically part of the Tuamotu Archipelago, is included within the group for administrative purposes. Administratively the les du Vent were part of the Society Islands from 1767 until 1946, when they became part of French Polynesia. Coconut plantations are the chief agricultural resource. Tourism is increasingly important to the economy, especially on Tahiti and Moorea. Pop. (1988 est.) 140,341.