Atauro (also known as Kambing Island by the Indonesians and meaning 'goat' in the local dialect) is situated 25km north of Dili, East Timor, on the extinct Wetar segment of the volcanic Inner Banda Arc. Atauro is approximately 25km long and 9km wide. Mt. Manucoco is the highest point at 995m above sea-level and the ocean straight between Atauro and Timor is rumored to drop to 3km below sea level. Atauro is a small and unstable island with a rugged landscape, frequented by landslides and a shortage of fresh water, especially during the drier months. Fresh water springs are present ~2km north of Berau, with minor reservoirs around Macadade, and the eastern slopes of Mt. Manucoco, presenting problems for Atauro’s population of 8000. Wells along the coast provide water of poor quality to most coastal townships.

The island is separated into 5 districts; Bikeli, Beloi, Macadade, Makili and Vila. The largest town on the island is Vila (formerly Maumeta). Other major towns include Beloi, Pala, Uaroana, Arlo, Adara, Macadade (Anartutu), Berau and Makili. One bitumen road connects Vila to Pala, with walking tracks to the other villages on the island.

Atauro has two distinct seasons - wet and dry. Vegetation consists of open Eucalyptus sp. woodland, representative of its Australasian affinities, on open slopes and hillsides commonly where limestones outcrop. Rainforest is present within valleys. The island has suffered from extensive clearing since Portuguese settlement in the early 1500’s. It was used as a prison island soon after the settlement of the Portuguese.