Easter Island has an area of 163.6 km² and a population of 3.791 (2002 census). It is estimated that the current population is more than 4000 inhabitants, where members of the Rapa Nui people mingle and continental (so called the rest of Chileans) and foreigners, concentrates mainly in the sector of Hanga Roa.Los milestones relevant to the history of Rapa Nui as 'known territory' begin the year 1722, when Dutch navigator Jacobo Roggeween up the morning of Easter Island giving testimony to the world about its existence. For the eyes of European traders, Rapa Nui had no owners and therefore its population could be exploited, commercialized and enslaved. By 1877, for different reasons (slave trade), introduction of smallpox and tuberculosis epidemics the number of inhabitants of the island was reduced to just 110 inhabitants. In 1888 the captain Policarpo Toro, on behalf of the Government of Chile, headed by President José Manuel Balmaceda, sets the sovereignty of the Government of Chile to Easter Island. An agreement that arises mainly in the interest of the Rapanui people receive protection and development, and by Chile, incorporate into its territory this island, extending its sovereignty to the Pacific. This agreement was called "Memorandum of understanding". This established the session of sovereignty of the island in favour of the Chilean State, committing it to deliver education and development to the Islanders, who kept their property rights over the land, and the Rapa Nui heads their endowments.