Erromango, Volcanic island in Tafea Province, Vanuatu
Erromango is an island of volcanic origin in Tafea Province, part of the island nation Vanuatu in the southwestern Pacific. The landscape shows dense evergreen forest in the eastern part, while open grassland dominates the northwest stretching down to the rocky shore.
The first settlers arrived around 3000 years ago from the Lapita culture, bringing farming techniques and craft skills. After European navigators reached the island in the 18th century, violent confrontations shaped life here for decades.
The name derives from Nelocompne, the word inhabitants use for their home. Coastal villages today still speak several closely related languages belonging to the Melanesian family, kept alive through daily conversation and community gatherings.
Two small airstrips connect the island to the rest of the country: one lies on the western coast near Dillon Bay, the other in the east near Ipota. Visitors planning to explore should bring sturdy footwear and sun protection, as many paths are unpaved and shade can be sparse in places.
Until the late 19th century, the island supplied large quantities of fragrant sandalwood for export to Asia. In more recent times, new private plantations were established to revive the tradition, even though the original stocks have long been exhausted.
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