page_title: Rotuma
section_title: Geography and geology
hierarchical_section_title: Rotuma / Geography and geology
context_page_description: Rotuma is a Fijian dependency, consisting of Rotuma Island and nearby islets. The island group is home to a large and unique indigenous ethnic group which constitutes a recognisable minority within the population of Fiji, known as "Rotumans". Its population at the 2017 census was 1,594, although many more Rotumans live on mainland Fijian islands, totaling 10,000.
context_section_description: These volcanic islands are located 646 kilometres (401 mi) (Suva to Ahau) north of Fiji. Rotuma Island itself is 13 kilometres (8.1 mi) long and 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) wide, with a land area of approximately 47 square kilometres (12,000 acres), making it the 12th largest island of Fiji. The island is bisected into a larger eastern part, and a western peninsula, by a low narrow isthmus only 230 metres (750 ft) wide, the location of Motusa village (Ituʻtiʻu district). North of the isthmus is Maka Bay, and in the south Hapmafau Bay. There are a large population of coral reefs in these bays, through which there are boat passages.
  Rotuma is a shield volcano made of alkali-olivine basalt and hawaiite, with many small cones, and reaches 256 metres (840 ft) above sea level at Mount Suelhof near the center of the island. Satarua Peak, 166 metres (540 ft) high, lies near the eastern end of the island. While very secluded from much of Fiji proper, the large reef and untouched beaches are renowned as some of the most beautiful in all of Fiji.
  There are some islands located at a distance between 50 metres (160 ft) and 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) from the main island, but still within the fringing reef: 
  Solnoho (south)
  Solkope and Sari'i (southeast)
  ʻAfgaha and Husia Rua (far southeast)
  Husia (Husiatiʻu) and Husiameaʻmeʻa (close southeast)
  Hạuameaʻmeʻa and Hạua (Hạuatiʻu) (close together northeast).
  Additionally, there is a separate chain of islands between 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) and 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) northwest and west of the westernmost point of Rotuma Island. From northeast to southwest, are: 
  Uea
  Hạfhai
  Hạfhahoi
  Hạfhaveiaglolo
  Hatana
  Hạfliua.
  The geological features of this unique island contribute to its national significance as outlined in Fiji's Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan.
caption: The island of Rotuma is on the far north of the map.
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