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Espiritu Santo ( in the nation of Vanuatu , with a surface area of 3955.5 km&2. It belongs to the Archipelago of the New Hebrides in the Pacific region of Melanesia . It is in the Sanma Province of Vanuatu. The town of Luganville , on Espiritu Santo's southeast coast, is Vanuatu's second-largest settlement, and the provincial capital. Roads run north and west from Luganville, but most of the island is far from the limited road network. Vanuatu's highest peak is 1879 metre (6160 foot) Mount Tabwemasana , in west-central Espiritu Santo. HISTORY Catholic explorer Pedro Fernandez De Quiros established a settlement in 1606 at Big Bay on the north side of the island. Espiritu Santo takes its name from de Quiros, who named the entire island group ''Australia del Espíritu Santo''. During World War II , the island was the site of a large United States military supply and support base. Between May and August of 1980 the island was the site of a rebellion during the transfer of power over the colonial New Hebrides from the British - French Condominium to independent Vanuatu. Jimmy Stevens ' Nagriamel movement, in alliance with private French interests and backed by American libertarians hoping to establish a tax-free haven, declared the island of Espiritu Santo independent of the new government. British Royal Marines and a unit of the French '' Garde Mobile '' were deployed to the nation's capital island, but did not invade Espiritu Santo as the soon-to-be government hoped. The troops were recalled shortly before independence. Following independence Vanuatu, now governed by Father Walter Lini , requested assistance from Papua New Guinea , whose forces invaded and restored order on Espiritu Santo. CULTURE Currently, Santo is a very popular tourist destination for divers, with many wrecks and reefs to be explored. It also contains Champagne Beach, a very popular spot where the pink sand and clear waters are a favourite amongst tourists. the Western Side of the Island contains many caves which may also be explored, and Cruise ships often stop in at Luganville . The local people survive either by the tourism trade, the farming of peanuts or by subsistance living (small farming and fishing). More and more a western influence is being exerted on the island and while traditional beliefs hold firm there are a growing number of Baptists , Seventh-day Adventist s and Mormons . There is also a small number of members from the Bahá'í Faith . Major health problems are being faced by the people of Santo, especially with Malaria , Tuberculosis , and the rising number of cases of HIV . While there is a hospital, most locals either consult their own witch-doctor or medical clinics set up by some of the Western missionaries. Kava is the popular drug of the island, although alcohol is becoming more and more prevalent. With the rising number of adults using alcohol is coming a rising crime rate, especially violence towards women and tribal warfare. FOOD Besides bullock (oxen and cattle) and rice bought in town, Santo has many wonderful foods that the locals take for granted while the tourists enjoy as delicacies. Amongst these are the sweet pineapples, mangos, island cabbage and Coconut Crab . There is a 24-hour market in Luganville for groceries, as well as many roadside stores. |
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