Quizzes
Quick Facts
- Also spelled:
- Lifu Island
- Also called (locally):
- Drehu
Adding us as a Preferred Source tells Google you trust our content, so our articles show up more often in your Google Search, Discover feed, and AI Overviews.
verifiedCite
While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies.
Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.
Select Citation Style
Lifou
Traditional hut on Lifou Island, New Caledonia.
Lifou Island
island, New Caledonia
Also known as: Drehu, Lifu Island
Lifou Island, largest and most populous of the Loyalty Islands in the French overseas country of New Caledonia, southwestern Pacific Ocean. It is the central island of the group. Lifou rises no higher than 200 feet (60 metres) above sea level. The coralline limestone creates a fertile soil but also precludes the existence of surface streams, so fresh water can be found only in caves and wells. The inhabitants grow taro, yams, and bananas and produce copra for export. The provincial capital of the Loyalty Islands, Wé, is on Lifou’s east coast; Chépénéhé, on Sandal Bay on the west coast, is the chief town. Area 466 square miles (1,207 square km). Pop. (2004) 10,320.
This article was most recently revised and updated by Lorraine Murray.
Discover the fascinating events that shaped the world, straight from our editors.
By clicking “Sign Up”, you consent to the Britannica
Privacy Policy
and
Terms of Use.