Rotuma is a volcanic island surrounded by eight islets. Sighted in 1791 by the British naval ship Pandora during its search for the HMS Bounty mutineers, the main island was formerly called Grenville. The group was annexed by Great Britain in 1881 and attached administratively to Fiji, then a British possession. The village of Ahau is the site of the government administrative centre as well as a post office, bank, and health centre.

Rotuma is a volcanic island surrounded by eight islets. Sighted in 1791 by the British naval ship Pandora during its search for the HMS Bounty mutineers, the main island was formerly called Grenville. The group was annexed by Great Britain in 1881 and attached administratively to Fiji, then a British possession. The village of Ahau is the site of the government administrative centre as well as a post office, bank, and health centre.

Copra, root vegetables, and woven mats are exported through the small ports of Motusa in the west and Oinafa in the northeast. An airstrip is located on the northern coast between Oinafa and Ahau.

The Rotuman population is of primarily Polynesian origin. During the latter half of the 20th century many Rotumans migrated to other areas of Fiji. Area 18 square miles (47 square km).

The population of Rotuma has seen a steady decline with more and more of the young Rotumans leaving the island for other “opportunities.” The island’s 2007 population was reported as 2,095 whereas the 2017 census reported 1,594 although it is reported that some 10,000 actually live on the “mainland” Fijian Islands.

In an effort to preserve the Rotuman language, heritage and native traditions, “The Rotuma Project” has been established. Please visit their website and take a few moments to view the YouTube video below to learn more about this remarkable South Pacific Island…