ESPIRITU SANTO

also called Santo, formerly Marina largest (1,420 sq mi [3,677 sq km]) and westernmost island of Vanuatu, in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. Volcanic in origin, it has a mountain range running along its west coast; Mt. Tabwmasana rises to 6,165 ft (1,879 m). It is heavily wooded and has broad, fertile, well-watered valleys. The island was sighted in 1606 by the Portuguese navigator Pedro Fernndez de Quirs, who built a short-lived settlement at the head of St. Philip and St. James Bay. Hog Harbour, on the northeast coast, is the site of the former British district administration. The former French headquarters is on the south coast at Segond, near which lies Luganville (Santo), second largest town of Vanuatu, with a deepwater port and an international airport. Luganville was an important U.S. Army base during World War II. Exports include copra, coffee, cacao, canned meat, and tuna. Pop. (1979 prelim.) 15,404.