Luganville is the second largest city in the Republic of Vanuatu and is located on the island of Espiritu Santo. The population is 10,738.
Luganville is one of Vanuatu's busiest ports, especially as a transshipment point for copra and cacao. Second Channel, the body of water off the coast of Luganville behind Aore Island, provides the town with an excellent sheltered harbour. On Espiritu Santo, Luganville is often informally called 'Canal' after this channel.
The main street that runs through Luganville contains most of the commercial businesses. Small side streets and outlying roads cater for the residential zones. The main street contains has port at one end, stores that sell predominantly building and fabrication materials at the other end. In the centre there are two main types of stores; tourist boutiques, and all-in-one stores, best described as a cross between a supermarket and a hardware store.
Broadband internet became available to Luganville in late 2006.
During World War II about 100,000 United States military personnel were stationed in Luganville, operating a bomber airfield and a nearby drydock. This era in Luganville's history is evident in the military-constructed Quonset huts still scattered around town.
Coordinates: 15°32′S 167°10′E
