Ambrym is a volcanic island in Malampa Province in the archipelago of Vanuatu. It is located near the center of the archipelago of Vanuatu, and also hosts one of the most active volcanoes in the world, which includes lava lakes in two craters near the summit. It is currently the least populous island in the country.

Etymology

Ambrym (also known as Ambrin, "ham rim" in the Ranon language) was allegedly named by Captain Cook, who is said to have anchored off there in 1774. In fact, his expedition never touched Ambrym.

Geography

Located near the center of the Vanuatu archipelago, Ambrym is roughly triangular in shape, about wide. With of surface area, it is the fifth largest island in the country. The summit at the centre of the island is dominated by a desert-like caldera, which covers an area of .

Volcanology

left|thumb|[[Ash plume from Ambrym Volcano, October 4, 2004]]

Ambrym is a large basaltic volcano with a 12-km-wide caldera, and is one of the most active volcanoes of the New Hebrides volcanic arc. The caldera is the result of a huge Plinian eruption, which took place around AD 50. Its explosive force is rated 6, the third highest in the Smithsonian Institution's Volcanic Explosivity Index ranks of the largest volcanic explosions in recent geological history.

In March 2017, Google added Marum crater with its lava lakes to Google Streetview. Since the last fissure eruption on 16 Dec 2018, the lava lake has disappeared.

Demographics

With the neighbouring island of Malakula and a few smaller islands, Ambrym forms Malampa Province. The population of 7,275 inhabitants lives mainly off coconut plantations in the three corners of the island.

thumb|upright|An Ambrym woodcarver, circa 1925

Languages

Like many islands in Vanuatu, Ambrym has its own Austronesian languages.

In the north:

  • Fanbyak
  • North Ambrym language

In the southeast:

  • Vatlongos (Southeast Ambrym language)

In the southwest:

  • Daakie
  • Daakaka
  • Dalkalaen
  • Lonwolwol
  • Raljago

Towns and villages

Southwest

  • Fali, Craig Cove, Baiap, Sesivi, Port Vato, Bwele, Lalinda, Tow, Yaotilie, Sanesup, Emiotungan, Maranata and Pelibetakever

Southeast

  • Maat, Paamal, Toak, Uléi, Utas, Tavéak, Asé, Pawé, Saméo, Endu, Pahakol and Benebo

North

  • Ranuetlam, Ranon, Olal, Fanla, Linboul, Wilit, Lonwara, Fona, Nebul and Megham

Tourism

Tourists are attracted by Ambrym's active volcanoes, tropical vegetation, and the customs of the local villagers. They stay in traditional bungalows, as there are no hotels on the island.