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Vanua Balavu
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Vanua Balavu

island, Fiji
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Quick Summary

Vanua Balavu is a key island within Fiji's Lau Group, located in the South Pacific Ocean east of the Koro Sea. This island cluster is primarily composed of limestone and covers a land area of 188 square miles (487 square km). Vanua Balavu is notable for being the chief island of the Lau Group and is home to Lomaloma, which serves as a copra port. Historically, Lomaloma was the base for the Tongan chief Ma'afu in his 1855 attempt to control Fiji's islands. The culture of the Lau Group, including Vanua Balavu, reflects a blend of Polynesian and Melanesian characteristics due to its proximity and historical ties to Tonga.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
3 Britannica Sources
  1. Vanua Levu Island
  2. Lau Group
  3. Fiji - Ethnic groups

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