Epi (island)
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{{Infobox Islands
|name =Epi
|image name =Épimap.png
|image caption =Map of Epi
|locator map = Vanuatu - Epi.PNG
|native name =
|native name link =
|location =[[Pacific Ocean]]
|coordinates={{coor d|16.89|S|168.30|E}}
|archipelago = [[Vanuatu]]
|total islands =
|major islands =
|area =444 km²
|highest mount =[[Mount Pomare]]
|elevation =833 m
|country =Vanuatu
|country admin divisions title =Province
|country admin divisions =[[Shefa Province]]
|country largest city =
|country largest city population =
|population =3,035
|population as of =1986
|density =6.84 people/km²
|ethnic groups =
}}
'''Epi''' (or '''Épi'''; formerly known as '''Tasiko''' or '''Volcano Island''') is the name of an island in [[Vanuatu]], at the north end of the [[Shepherd Islands]]). It is in [[Shefa Province]]. It is 43 km long northwest-southeast, and 18 km wide, with an area of 444 km². Its shoreline measures 130 km. In 1986 it had a population of 3,035.
==Geology and Geography==
[[Image:Dugong_Lamen_Island_Epi_Vanuatu.jpeg|thumb|left|[[Dugong]] with attached [[remora]], Lamen Island, Epi, [[Vanuatu]].]]
The island is of volcanic origin, and its highest point, [[Mount Pomare]], which reaches a height of 833 m above [[sea level]], is a [[quaternary]] volcano. It lies 13 km from the more prominent [[Lopévi]] volcano. To the east is the largely underwater [[East Epi]] volcano.
On the northwest edge of the island is the sandy beach [[Lamen Bay]], and the nearby small island of [[Lamen (island)|Lamen]] (pop. 500). The bay has some [[coral reef]]s which are the habitat of the [[dugong]]. On the west coast is [[Cape Forland]]. In the southeast is [[Valesdir]]. In the northeast is [[Drummond Bay]], with the [[Nikaura Marine Protected Area]], established in 2000 by the community of [[Nikaura]]. To the south is the small uninhabited islet of [[Namuka]]. There are also black (volcanic) sand beaches, and three small freshwater lakes.
==Culture==
Epi has a wide variety of languages for its size, including: [[Bieria language|Bieria]] in the south, [[Maii language|Maii]] in the southwest, [[Baki language|Baki]] in the west, [[Bierebo language|Bierebo]] in the northwest, [[Lamenu language|Lamenu]] at the northwest tip (and also the island of [[Lamen (island)|Lamen]]), and [[Lewo language|Lewo]] in the east. These languages are all spoken by a few to several hundred speakers each, and are considered to all form a branch of the [[Austronesian languages]] of Vanuatu.
Epi High School, at Lamen Bay, is being renovated by a joint effort from [[Kiwanis]], [[Air Vanuatu]], and [[AusAID]]. [http://www.news.vu/en/living/community/050201-kiwanis-ausaid-and-air-vanuatu-help.shtml]
There is a [[Presbyterian]] hospital at Vaémali (Falmali), on the north end of the island.
==Economy==
The principal economic activity is [[subsistence agriculture]]. The island's GDP is $457 per capita.
Formerly there were a number of large plantations for [[coconut]]s and [[copra]], principally along the fertile coasts. Today most of these have been broken into small holdings, except for the large plantation at Valesdir, which continues to produce copra, [[beef]], and kava. Other crops include [[peanuts]] (grown in the interior hills) and [[kava]].
[[Fishing]] is important as well. The government has recently been promoting training in fishing to improve its efficiency and safety. [http://www.spc.int/coastfish/Sections/training/sig/sig21/sig21_p14_1.htm]
Tourism has become more important, especially in the Lamen Bay area. There is accommodation available in a few other places including Valesdir and Nikaura.
==Transport==
There are two airports on the island, one in the northwest at [[Lamen Bay]], and one in the southwest at [[Valesdir]]. Both are serviced a few times a week by [[Air Vanuatu]]. The island can also be reached by ship.
The island has roads but few vehicles.
==External links==
*[http://coombs.anu.edu.au/SpecialProj/VAN/epi.html Languages of Epi, including bibliography]
*[http://www.vanuatu.usp.ac.fj/library/Online/Texts/Custom%20Stories%20from%20Epi/Homepage.htm Custom stories from Epi]
*[http://www.volcano.si.edu/reports/usgs/index.cfm?content=archive&year=2004&week=mar_31-6_04 Geological synopsis of Epi]
*[http://islands.unep.ch/ILT.htm#1077 UN Earthwatch site]
*[http://www.andrewgray.com/pacific/dugong.htm The dugong of Lamen Bay on Epi]
*[http://www.positiveearth.org/bungalows/SHEFA/epi.htm Tourist site, including island map and pictures]
*[http://video.google.com.au/videoplay?docid=-9019154185975805492 Video of landing in Lamen Bay (LNB) on an Air Vanuatu Twin Otter]
{{Vanuatu}}
{{coor title d|16.89|S|168.30|E}}
[[category:Islands of Vanuatu]]
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