Sanma is a province located in the Northern part of the nation of Vanuatu, occupying the nation's largest island, Espiritu Santo. The province spans an area of and has its capital in Luganville, Vanuatu's second-largest city. Named as a portmanteau of Santo and Malo, Sanma is geologically among the oldest parts of the archipelago and includes Mount Tabwemasana, the highest peak in the country. According to the national 2020 census, Sanma had a population of 61,458. The local economy is primarily based on subsistence agriculture and fishing, with cacao, copra, and kava as key cash crops.
Administrative divisions
Sanma Province are subdivided into eleven area councils, which are further subdivided into populated places (i.e.: villages, communities, etc.).
- Big Bay Coast Area Council
- Big Bay Inland Area Council
- Canal Fanafo Area Council
- East Malo Area Council
- East Santo Area Council
- North West Santo Area Council
- South East Santo Area Council
- South Santo I Area Council
- South Santo II Area Council
- West Malo Area Council
- West Santo Area Council
Geography
The territory of Sanma Province covers , of which Espiritu Santo alone accounts for .
The province is geologically among the oldest in Vanuatu, with formations dating from the Priabonian to the Middle Miocene.