Measuring only 13 kilometers in length and 4 kilometers in width, Rotuma is rugged, carpeted with lush vegetation, and fringed by white sand beaches and coral reefs. Rotuma consists of one large island and a number of islets that lie offshore, including the remarkable Hafliua (Split Island) which is bisected by a massive fissure large enough to take a small boat through. The highest point on the main island is Mt. Suelhof (256 meters). The population, which is spread along the coastline in a series of villages, is approximately 2,600. The interior of the island is comprised of gardens and bushland, with coconut trees in abundance. A government station is located at Ahau on the northeast coast and an unpaved vehicular road circles the island. Rotuma is blessed with rich soil that grows a number of crops including yams, mango, papaya, taro, bananas, oranges, melons, and just about anything you place in the ground. Its beaches and ample coral reefs are unblemished by commercialism. The adjacent sea and lagoons are filled with Hawk's Bill turtles, dolphins, manta rays, parrot fish, and soft coral. Rotuma was settled by Polynesians centuries ago, most likely from Samoa orTonga. It was 'discovered' by Europeans when Captain Edwards of thePandora came across it while searching for the Bounty mutineers. He named it 'Grenville Island'. A favorite of whaling ships in need of reprovisioning, in the mid-nineteenth century Rotuma became a haven for runaway sailors, some of whom were escaped convicts. Until recently one needed an invitation from a resident just to set foot on the island. It was impossible to buy an airline ticket and visit this community without permission. Rotuman elders were reluctant to allow tourists of any stripe to set foot on this fragile island. There are still no hotels on Rotuma, although accommodations can be arranged for brief visits. The feelings of the Rotuma Council of Chiefs towards large numbers of visitors has not changed, but the door to outsiders is now ajar for the first time. The numbers of visitors to the island will be strictly regulated and it has not yet been determined the numbers of guests that the island will host on a yearly basis.