The nearest land is Kauehi Atoll, located 35 km to the south east.

Prior to the pearl market slump at the turn of the century, Aratika was home to about 2000 people, thereafter dropping to about 200.

Aratika has a private airfield which opened in 1998 and is owned by the Fourcade company.

Much of the island's main infrastructure, including the school and many businesses from Paparara village, were moved for ease of access to and from the airstrip.

Aratika Atoll belongs to the commune of Fakarava, which consists of Fakarava, as well as the atolls of Aratika, Kauehi, Niau, Raraka, Taiaro and Toau.