Emae

Emae is a small island of the group of islands of the South Pacific island Shepherd State Vanuatu. It belongs to the centrally - located Vanuatu Shefa Province.

Geography

Emae is of volcanic origin; the crater of this for the most part undersea volcano is of great extent. The two nearby neighboring islands of Makura and Matasu (7 km and 17 km south of Emae ) are part of its edge. The highest point of this small archipelago, Maunga Lasi ( Mont Maunga ) in northeastern Emae, measures 644 m. Also, the central ( Mont Talimasa, 434 m) and the southwestern peak ( Mont Painga or Tavania Panga, 528 m) on the island are distinctive, so that the island appears from a distance as a group of three islands.

4.6 km west of Emae is the Pula Iwa Reef (Cook Reef ), an atoll without islands, but with low-tide corals.

The population of Emae that counts almost 750 is scattered around eight villages. As capital is considered Makata in the east of the island.

The airfield of the island, Siwo Airport IATA Code and ICAO Code EAE NVSE, located in the southwest near the village Sangafa.

Population and Economy

The island is able to feed a population of about 750 people. In contrast to the surrounding islands whose population are Melanesians, the people of Emae have Polynesian roots. They speak a belonging to futunischen branch of the Polynesian languages ​​Polynesian dialect called " Emae ". Therefore, the island belongs to the out of the Polynesian triangle of Polynesia enclaves.

The inhabitants live by a simple form of agriculture and engage in fishing activities. The island has a small airport. Many of the islanders are living in Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu.