This article needs additional citations for verification. (May 2014) |
Native name: Maramasike | |
---|---|
Geography | |
Location | South Pacific Ocean |
Archipelago | Solomon Islands |
Area | 480.5 km2 (185.5 sq mi) |
Highest elevation | 518 m (1699 ft) |
Administration | |
Province | Malaita |
Demographics | |
Population | 12,967 (2009) |
South Malaita Island is the island at the southern tip of the larger island of Malaita in the eastern part of Solomon Islands.[1] It is also known as Small Malaita and Maramasike for Areare speakers and Malamweimwei for more than 80% of the islanders. The island is referred to as Iola Raha. It is called "small" to distinguish it from the much larger sibling. It is part of Malaita Province. South Malaita came under effective control of the colonial administration after the Solomon Islands was declared a British Protectorate in 1893.[2] During the colonial days, the island was divided by the colonial government and missionary establishments into the Asimeuri, Asimae, and Raroisu'u districts.