Efate Island

Efate Island

Efate is the main island of Vanuatu in the southwest Pacific Ocean, of volcanic origin, covering an area of 915 square kilometers, with the highest peak being Mount Macdonald, rising to 647 meters. Captain James Cook, on board HMS Resolution during his 1774 voyage, named it Sandwich Island. Efate's topography is rugged and covered in tropical rainforest, nourished by the island's warm and humid climate. The island is prone to earthquakes and in 2002 a series of strong seaquakes caused extensive damage. There are several small islands around Efate, including Nguna, Pele, Emao and Eretoka, or Hat Island, which looks like a floppy hat from a distance. The famous Chieftain Roi Mata was buried here, together with his 20 wives and numerous other servants. Nguna, Pele and Emao are stratovolcanoes that may form the rim of a volcanic caldera north of them. The capital, Port Vila, is the center of tourism on Vanuatu, with around 60 000 tourists visiting the island every year via air, cruise ships and the sailing community. Around two-thirds of the island's inhabitants live in the city, which has a good harbor in the Mélé Bay and a small private island, Iririki. Port Havannah is located on the northwest coast of the island and offers good anchorage. The island is an important producer of copra, cocoa and kava root. Cattle and sheep are raised in the area, and the timber industry and tourism are also growing.