SANTA MARIA

also called Gaua, largest island of the Banks Islands in Vanuatu, southwest Pacific Ocean. The island, with an area of 132 sq mi (342 sq km), is rugged and rises to Mt. Gharat, an active volcano (2,615 ft ) that contains a lake in its crater. The Polynesian inhabitants produce copra and cacao for export. Pop. (1979 prelim.) 766.