The Bass Islands (French: Îles du Bass) consist primarily of Rapa and Marotiri. They are usually considered to be the southernmost of the Austral Islands, although this classification is one of geographic and political expediency more so than because of similarities between them and the rest of the Austral Islands. The Bass Islands are the southernmost islands in French Polynesia French (français, langue française) is one of the most important Romance languages, outnumbered in speakers only by Spanish and Portuguese. ... The Austral Islands are the southernmost group of islands in French Polynesia, sometimes also called the Tubuai Islands, after one of the main islands. ... National motto: Tahiti Nui Marearea Official language French Political status Dependent territory Capital Papeete Largest City Papeete President Oscar Temaru Area  - Total  - % water 4,167 km² 12% Population  - Total (2002)  - Density 245,405 64/km² Currency CFP franc Time zone UTC -10 Internet TLD . ...

Geologically, the Bass Islands are distinguished from the Austral Islands in that their vulcanism appears to be much more recent. This article is about volcanoes in geology. ...

Culturally, the Bass Islands appear to have been colonized about the same time as Tahiti and the Marquesas, and the culture and language (Rapan) appear to have diverged about the same time as well, indicating that they developed in relative isolation almost from the time of first settlement. Tahiti is the largest island in French Polynesia, located in the archipelago of Society Islands in the southern Pacific Ocean, at 17° 40 South, 149° 30 West. ... The Marquesas Islands is a group of islands in French Polynesia. ...