Ouvéa is the last formed of the Loyalty Islands, hence its small surface area and its maximum altitude of 137ft (42m) even lower than that of the other islands in the archipelago. The prolonged state of submersion of a large part of its central plateau allows it to be the only one to have its own lagoon. Located east of Grande-Terre and exposed to the prevailing winds (east-south-east), it is subject to significant rainfall causing the dense tropical vegetation which covers it.