# Vanua Levu

> second largest island in Fiji

**Wikidata**: [Q327733](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q327733)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanua_Levu)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/vanua-levu

## Summary
Vanua Levu is the second-largest island in Fiji, located in the South Pacific Ocean. It is part of Fiji's archipelagic territory and shares the country's tropical climate, diverse culture, and strategic maritime position. The island is known for its lush landscapes, coral reefs, and significant role in Fiji's political and economic development.

## Key Facts
- **Location**: Northern Fiji, part of the Fiji archipelago.
- **Size**: Larger than Viti Levu, Fiji's largest island.
- **Coordinates**: Latitude -16.583333, Longitude 179.183333.
- **Population**: Approximately 130,000 (urban areas) and 30,000 (rural areas).
- **Parent Country**: Fiji (island sovereign state in Oceania).
- **Geography**: Volcanic and coral-based, with tropical marine climate.
- **Major Town**: Labasa, a significant urban center on the island.
- **Administrative Division**: Part of Fiji's Northern Division.
- **Related Archipelago**: Vanua Levu Group, an archipelago in northern Fiji.
- **Notable Islands**: Includes Laucala, another island in Fiji.
- **Wikipedia Title**: Vanua Levu.
- **Wikidata Description**: Second largest island in Fiji.

## FAQs
**What is the significance of Vanua Levu in Fiji's geography?**
Vanua Levu is the second-largest island in Fiji, contributing to the country's archipelagic landscape and supporting diverse ecosystems, including coral reefs and tropical forests. It plays a crucial role in Fiji's regional and economic development.

**What are the key features of Vanua Levu's climate and environment?**
Vanua Levu has a tropical marine climate with warm temperatures year-round and a distinct wet season. Its environment includes volcanic islands, coral reefs, and lush tropical forests, making it a significant part of Fiji's biodiversity.

**What is the population of Vanua Levu?**
The population of Vanua Levu is approximately 130,000 in urban areas and 30,000 in rural areas, reflecting its role as a major settlement area in Fiji.

**What administrative division does Vanua Levu belong to?**
Vanua Levu is part of Fiji's Northern Division, which includes other significant islands and regions in northern Fiji.

**What are the notable towns and islands associated with Vanua Levu?**
Labasa is a major town on Vanua Levu, while Laucala is another notable island in the region. These locations contribute to the island's cultural and economic significance.

## Why It Matters
Vanua Levu is a vital component of Fiji's archipelagic geography, contributing to the country's biodiversity, cultural heritage, and economic stability. As the second-largest island in Fiji, it supports diverse ecosystems, including the Great Astrolabe Reef, and plays a crucial role in Fiji's tourism and agricultural sectors. The island's strategic location in the South Pacific also makes it significant for regional and international relations, particularly in matters of climate change and sustainable development. Its unique blend of indigenous and colonial influences further enhances its cultural and historical importance in Fiji.

## Notable For
- **Second-Largest Island in Fiji**: Vanua Levu is larger than Viti Levu, Fiji's largest island, and plays a significant role in the country's geography and economy.
- **Rich Biodiversity**: The island is home to diverse ecosystems, including coral reefs and tropical forests, contributing to Fiji's overall biodiversity.
- **Cultural and Economic Hub**: Vanua Levu supports major towns like Labasa and is a key area for Fiji's tourism and agricultural industries.
- **Strategic Maritime Position**: Located in the South Pacific, Vanua Levu is significant for Fiji's regional and international relations, particularly in climate change and sustainable development.
- **Volcanic and Coral-Based Landscape**: The island's geography includes volcanic islands and coral reefs, making it a unique part of Fiji's archipelago.
- **Part of the Vanua Levu Group**: Vanua Levu is part of a larger archipelago in northern Fiji, which includes other notable islands like Laucala.

## Body

### Geography and Environment
Vanua Levu is located in the northern part of Fiji, within the Fiji archipelago. It is characterized by volcanic islands, coral reefs, and lush tropical forests. The island has a tropical marine climate with warm temperatures year-round and a distinct wet season. The highest point on Vanua Levu is Mount Tomanivi at 1,324 meters, while the lowest point is at sea level along the Pacific Ocean. The island is part of the Vanua Levu Group, an archipelago in northern Fiji, and includes other notable islands such as Laucala.

### Population and Demographics
The population of Vanua Levu is approximately 130,000 in urban areas and 30,000 in rural areas. The island is home to a diverse population, including indigenous Fijians, Indo-Fijians, and other ethnic groups. The official languages of Fiji, English, Fijian, and Fiji Hindi, are also spoken on Vanua Levu. The island's population has grown from around 393,383 in 1960 to over 926,276 in 2018, reflecting Fiji's overall population growth.

### Administrative and Political Structure
Vanua Levu is part of Fiji's Northern Division, which includes other significant islands and regions in northern Fiji. The island is governed as part of Fiji's parliamentary constitutional republic, with the President serving as the head of state and the Prime Minister as the head of government. The island's political system is characterized by a multi-party democracy, with regular elections. Fiji's democracy index score reflects its commitment to democratic governance and political stability in the Pacific region.

### Economy and Infrastructure
The economy of Vanua Levu is characterized by a mixed economy with a focus on tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing. The island's economy contributes to Fiji's overall GDP, which was $4.296 billion in 2021 and $4.943 billion in 2022. The Gini coefficient (income inequality) is 30.7 (2019), indicating moderate income inequality. The unemployment rate was 8% in 2014. The currency used on Vanua Levu is the Fijian dollar, which replaced the Fijian pound in 1969. The Reserve Bank of Fiji serves as the central bank, and the electrical system operates at 240V and 50Hz using AS/NZS 3112 plugs.

### International Relations and Memberships
Fiji, and by extension Vanua Levu, maintains diplomatic relations with numerous countries, including Australia, China, the United States, India, and New Zealand. Fiji is a member of various international organizations, such as the United Nations, World Trade Organization, and International Bank for Reconstruction and Development. These memberships contribute to Fiji's role in global discussions on climate change, sustainable development, and Pacific Island issues.

### Symbols and Culture
The national flag of Fiji, the Flag of Fiji, is displayed on Vanua Levu. The coat of arms, the Coat of arms of Fiji, and the anthem, God Bless Fiji, are also significant cultural symbols on the island. The motto, Rerevaka na Kalou ka Doka na Tui (Fear God and honour the Queen), reflects Fiji's cultural values. Cultural highlights on Vanua Levu include the historic capital of Suva, one of the Pacific's significant urban centers, and vibrant cultural festivals.

### Technical Identifiers and Standards
Vanua Levu uses the .fj top-level internet domain and has an international calling code of +679. The aircraft registration prefix is DQ, and the license plate code is FJI (since 1971). The maritime identification digits are 520, and the mobile country code is 542. The ISO codes for Fiji, which include Vanua Levu, are Alpha-2: FJ, Alpha-3: FJI, and Numeric: 242. The M49 code is 242, and the emergency number is 000, 911, and 919 (police). The timezone is UTC+12:00, Pacific/Fiji.

### Related Entities
Vanua Levu is related to several other entities, including the island of Laucala, which is part of the Vanua Levu Group. Labasa is a major town on Vanua Levu, contributing to the island's cultural and economic significance. The Northern Division, which includes Vanua Levu, is part of Fiji's administrative structure. Fiji, as the parent country, provides the political and economic framework for Vanua Levu's development.

## References

1. Source
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. GeoNames