RENNELL ISLAND

also called Mu Nggava, southernmost of the Solomon Islands, in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, 130 miles (209 km) south of Guadalcanal. An atoll 50 miles (80 km) long and 8 miles (13 km) wide, it comprises raised coral limestone (400 to 500 feet [120 to 150 m] above sea level) and some low-grade phosphate rock. Te Nggano is a large lake in the southern part of the island. Rennell was annexed by Great Britain in 1899. Its Polynesian inhabitants cultivate yams and taro. Bauxite deposits have been found on the island and offer its best prospect for development. Pop. (1986) 1,084.