Rapa Nui's Transformation

Obsidian, once a highly valued resource on Rapa Nui, shaped the island's early economy before it transitioned to a tourism-driven model. The population has surged alongside visitor numbers, particularly after the airport expansion in the late 1980s. However, the pandemic drastically impacted this economy, forcing locals to revert to traditional practices like farming and fishing. Today, Rapa Nui stands as a UNESCO World Heritage site, embodying both the resilience and cultural achievements of its people.