Hiw (island)
A detailed map of Hiw, showing modern villages (red) and ancient, now uninhabited villages (pink) | |
Hiw | |
| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Pacific Ocean |
| Coordinates | 13°08′S 166°33′E / 13.133°S 166.550°E |
| Archipelago | Vanuatu, Torres Islands |
| Area | 47.4 km2 (18.3 sq mi) |
| Highest elevation | 366 m (1201 ft) |
| Highest point | Mount Wonvara |
| Administration | |
Vanuatu | |
| Province | Torba Province |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 269 (2009) |
Hiw (sometimes spelled Hiu) is an island in the Torres Islands of Torba Province in Vanuatu – the northernmost island of the country.
The island has a humid tropical climate with heavy rainfall; it is characterized by its white sand beaches, thick tree cover, and natural resources.
According to the 2009 Vanuatu census, Hiw has a population of approximately 269 inhabitants, distributed across three villages on the east coast – Yogwye, Yaqane, and Yögevigemëne. The population of Hiw speaks the Hiw language, an endangered language with few native speakers.