Vanua Levu
Map of Vanua Levu
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| Geography | |
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| Location | Pacific Ocean |
| Coordinates | 16°35′S 179°11′E / 16.583°S 179.183°E |
| Archipelago | Vanua Levu Group |
| Area | 5,587.1 km2 (2,157.2 sq mi) |
| Length | 180 km (112 mi) |
| Width | 50 km (31 mi) |
| Highest elevation | 1,111 m (3,645 ft) |
| Highest point | Mount Batini |
| Administration | |
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Fiji
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| Division | Northern Division |
| Largest settlement | Labasa (pop. 27,949) |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 135,961 (2007) |
| Pop. density | 23.27 /km2 (60.27 /sq mi) |
| Ethnic groups | Mainly Native Fijians and Fiji Indians |
Vanua Levu (pronounced [βaˈnua ˈleβu]), formerly known as Sandalwood Island, is the second largest island of Fiji. Located 64 kilometres (40 miles) to the north of the larger Viti Levu, the island has an area of 5,587.1 square kilometres (2,157.2 sq mi) and a population of 135,961 as of 2007[update].
Geologists interpret the shape of Vanua Levu as an amalgamation of several islands that melded through successive stages of uplift. The main part of the island is roughly shaped like a tall, thin triangle 30 to 50 kilometres (19–31 miles) in width and 180 kilometres (110 miles) in length, rotated so that the point is to the northeast. This point, the northernmost in the Fiji chain, is Udu Point. 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 antimeridian passes through this island.
A rugged mountain range divides the island horizontally, forming much of the boundary between the Provinces of Cakaudrove and Macuata. The highest peaks are Mount Batini, also known as Nasorolevu, with an altitude of 1,111 metres (3,645 feet), and, 16 kilometres (9.9 miles) further north-east, Dikeva, also known as Mount Thurston, with an altitude of 1,030 metres (3,380 feet). Vanua Levu's main mountain ranges lie near the windward, southern coasts, making them much wetter. Northern Vanua Levu, by contrast, has a dry climate eight months of the year, enabling sugar cane, the island's major crop, to thrive there. Vanua Levu has a number of rivers, including the Labasa, the Wailevu, and the Qawa. These three form a delta on which the town of Labasa stands. None of the island's rivers are navigable by large vessels. There are also many well known rivers on Vanua levu. The first is the most dangerous river, the Wainikoro river, known for its shark attacks. The second is the Dreketi river, the deepest river in Fiji.
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Wikipedia