Cakaudrove Province is one of the fourteen administrative provinces of Fiji. It is situated in the northern part of the country, encompassing the southeastern portion of the island of Vanua Levu as well as several outlying islands, most notably Taveuni, the third‑largest island in Fiji.
Geography
- Location: Northern Division, Fiji; borders Macuata Province to the north and Bua Province to the west.
- Area: Approximately 2,800 km² (about 1,080 sq mi).
- Topography: The province includes coastal lowlands, hilly interior terrain, and volcanic features on Taveuni. Its climate is tropical, with a distinct wet season.
Administrative centre
- The provincial capital is the town of Savusavu, located on the south‑eastern coast of Vanua Levu.
Population
- According to the 2017 national census, the province had a population of roughly 50,000 inhabitants. The population is primarily of i‑Taukei (indigenous Fijian) descent, with minority groups of Indian‑Fijian and other ethnicities.
Governance
- Cakaudrove is administered by a Provincial Council headed by a Roko Tui (Provincial Administrator) appointed by the Fijian government.
- Traditional leadership remains influential; the paramount chief of the province holds the title Tui Cakau, a historically significant chiefly role within the Lau Confederacy.
Economy
- Agriculture: Coconut, kava ( yaqona ), taro, and other root crops are cultivated for both local consumption and export.
- Fisheries: Coastal and reef fisheries provide a substantial source of food and income.
- Tourism: Taveuni Island, known as the “Garden Island,” attracts visitors for its rainforests, coral reefs, and waterfalls, contributing to the province’s service sector.
- Mining: Small‑scale extraction of gold and other minerals has occurred on Taveuni, though it is not a dominant economic activity.
Infrastructure
- The province is served by the Savusavu Airport (domestic flights) and a network of secondary roads connecting villages and towns.
- Education facilities include primary and secondary schools; higher‑education institutions are located in larger urban centres elsewhere in Fiji.
Cultural aspects
- Traditional Fijian customs, including the meke dance and kava ceremony, are integral to community life.
- The province celebrates Muanikau and other local festivals that reinforce cultural identity and clan affiliations.
Environmental significance
- Taveuni hosts several protected areas, such as the Bouma National Heritage Park, noted for its biodiversity and endemic species.
- Marine protected zones around the province’s reefs aim to preserve coral health and fisheries resources.
References
- Fiji Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population 2017.
- Government of Fiji, Ministry of i‑Taukei Affairs.
- Department of Environment, Fiji – Protected Areas Management Plan.
All information presented is based on publicly available government and statistical sources as of the latest census and official publications.
