VANUA LEVU

second largest island (2,137 sq mi [5,535 sq km]) of Fiji, bordering the Koro Sea in the South Pacific, 40 mi (64 km) northeast of the island of Viti Levu. Sighted by the Dutch navigator Abel Tasman in 1643, the volcanic Vanua Levu (meaning Great Land) was formerly called Sandalwood Island. The central mountain range, culminating at Mt. Nasorolevu (3,386 ft ), divides the island into wet (southeastern) and dry (northwestern) sections. Natewa Bay, on the east coast, cuts deeply into the island to make a peninsula of its southeastern corner, while the south coast is indented by the broad Savusavu and Wainunu bays. The Ndreketi (Drekiti) is one of several streams in the northwest with level valleys where sugarcane is cultivated. Lambasa (Labasa) on the north coast is the main population centre and port of the island. Vanua Levu exports sugar and copra. Copper ore was mined at Undu Point in the northeast until the supply was exhausted in the mid-1960s. The population of the island comprises slightly more Indians than Melanesians. Pop. (1986) including adjacent islands, 129,154.