Easter Island (Rapa Nui)

Easter Island, known locally as Rapa Nui, is a remote volcanic island in the Pacific Ocean, famous for its mysterious moai statues—large stone figures carved by the island’s original Polynesian inhabitants. These statues, some weighing several tons, were built between 1250 and 1500 CE and likely served spiritual or ancestral purposes. The island's society faced environmental challenges, such as deforestation, which contributed to social decline. Today, Rapa Nui is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of Polynesian culture, attracting researchers and tourists interested in its historical, archaeological, and ecological significance.