Vanua Levu
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Vanua Levu is the second largest island of Fiji, and was formerly known as Sandalwood Island. Located about 70 kilometres to the north of the larger Viti Levu, the island has an area of 5,500 km². The main part of the island is roughly shaped like a tall, thin triangle 180 kilometres in length, rotated so that the point is to the northeast. This point, the northernmost in the Fiji chain, is Undu Cape. from the southeastern side of this triangle, a long peninsula stretches out into the Koro Sea. The island is surrounded by coral reefs, and is rough and hilly.
The island's population is around 130,000, with the main population centres being the towns of Labasa and Savusavu, the latter of which is located at the foot of the peninsula. Labasa (population 25,000) has a large Indian community, and is a closely associated with the sugar industry. Savusavu is smaller (population 6,000), but is a popular centre for tourists owing to its diving and yachting facilities.
The main industry on the island is sugar cane production, especially in the north. Copra is also an important crop. Surprisingly, the island is relatively unknown to tourists, most of whom frequent Viti Levu. Despite this, tourism is becoming a major industry on Vanua Levu.
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