Sanma Province

Sanma is a province located in the Northern part of the nation of Vanuatu, occupying the nation's largest island, Espiritu Santo. The province spans an area of Template:Convert and has its capital in Luganville, Vanuatu's second-largest city. Named as a portmanteau of Santo and Malo,<ref name=":0">Template:Cite web</ref> Sanma is geologically among the oldest parts of the archipelago and includes Mount Tabwemasana, the highest peak in the country. According to the national 2020 census, Sanma had a population of 61,458. The local economy is primarily based on subsistence agriculture and fishing, with cacao, copra, and kava as key cash crops.

Administrative divisions

Sanma Province are subdivided into eleven area councils, which are further subdivided into populated places (i.e.: villages, communities, etc.).

• Big Bay Coast Area Council
• Big Bay Inland Area Council
• Canal Fanafo Area Council
• East Malo Area Council
• East Santo Area Council
• North West Santo Area Council
• South East Santo Area Council
• South Santo I Area Council
• South Santo II Area Council
• West Malo Area Council
• West Santo Area Council

Geography

The territory of Sanma Province covers Template:Convert,<ref name=":1">Template:Cite journal</ref> of which Espiritu Santo alone accounts for Template:Convert.<ref name=":0" /> The province includes additional islands such as Tutuba, Araki, Bokissa, Mavia, Aese, Sakao, Lataro, Lataroa, and Thion.<ref name=":0" /><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

The province is geologically among the oldest in Vanuatu, with formations dating from the Priabonian to the Middle Miocene.<ref name=":0" /> The highest point in both Sanma and Vanuatu is Mount Tabwemasana, located in western Espiritu Santo, which rises to Template:Convert.<ref name=":0" /> The provincial capital is Luganville.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>

Demographics

Template:Historical populationsIn the 2020 census, the province had a population of 61,458 inhabitants, comprising 31,536 males and 29,922 females, with a population density of 15 inhabitants per square kilometer and an annual growth rate of 2.7%.<ref name="VBOS">Template:Cite web</ref>

Economy

The economy of Sanma is largely based on subsistence agriculture, with communities cultivating yams, taro, and other root crops, as well as raising cattle, pigs, and chickens. Key cash crops include copra, cacao (for which Sanma is the leading exporter in Vanuatu), and kava. Fishing also provides income, especially on smaller islands.<ref name=":0" />

Tourism is a growing sector, with Espiritu Santo known for its pristine beaches and diving attractions, including the SS President Coolidge wreck and Champagne Beach.<ref name=":0" /><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Infrastructure improvements, such as upgrades to Luganville Harbour to accommodate cruise ships, have supported tourism growth. Handicraft sales have increased alongside tourist activity.<ref name=":0" />

The informal economy plays a vital role, particularly in rural areas. Traditional agroforestry systems and women’s groups contribute to food security and economic resilience, especially in communities with limited access to formal markets.<ref name=":1" />