Vaitupu

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Map of Vaitupu

Vaitupu from space.

Vaitupu, largest island of the Pacific nation of Tuvalu, is located at 7.48 degrees south and 178.83 degrees west. The capital is Asau.

1 Demographics and history
2 Geography
3 How to get here, transportation and tourism
4 See also

[edit] Demographics and history

Vaitupu is home to the second-largest population in Tuvalu, numbering 1,591 (2002 Census). 600 students from ages 13 and 21 are sent here from throughout the archipelago to attend the country's only secondary school, Motufoua. Despite its relatively large size, the island became so overcrowded during the 1940s that several families migrated to Fiji.

Vaitupu received worldwide attention in 2000, when a fire in a dormitory at the Motufoua school killed 18 girls and an adult supervisor. It was later discovered that the fire was caused by a student using a candle to read during the night. The late Prime Minister Ionatana Ionatana declared a national tragedy and quickly travelled to the island to witness the aftermath.

There used to be a primary school called Elisefou (New Ellice) on Vaitupa. The school moved to Vaitupa in 1923 and closed in 1953. Its first Headmaster, D. G. Kennedy, was a known disciplinarian who would not hesitate to discipline his students. The two most famous Tuvaluan from the school were Tuvalu's first Governor General, Sir Penitala Teo, his first Prime Minister, Toaripi Lauti.

[edit] Geography

[edit] All

The island, which covers approximately 5.6 square kilometers, includes swamps, mangroves, a fringing coral reef and a large lagoon.

[edit] Islands

Vaitupu consists of at least 9 islands, which are:

Luasamotu
Mosana (group of 2)
Motutanifa
Temotu
Te Motu Olepa
Tofia
Vaitupu proper
And at least 1 other isle

There is at least 1 isle inhabited, which is Vaitupu proper.

The biggest island is of course Vaitupu proper, which is followed by Tofia.

[edit] Inhabited

The only village on Vaitupu consists of the neighbourhoods Tumaseu and Asau. There is a church, a primary school, at least one guesthouse and a post office. The secondary school (Motufoua) lies on plusminus 2 kilometres, and the hospital on about 1 km.

[edit] How to get here, transportation and tourism

Today, Vaitupu can be accessed by either private boat or the government-operated MV Nivaga II at irregular intervals from Funafuti. There are paths. In the village there is a guest house.