South Andaman Island is the southernmost island of the Great Andaman and is home to the majority of the population of the Andaman Islands. It belongs to the South Andaman administrative district, part of the Indian union territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is the location of Sri Vijaya Puram, capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

History

South Andaman Island was struck by the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake, leading to many deaths on the island.

Geography

The island belongs to the Great Andaman Chain. Some areas of the island are restricted areas for non-Indians; however, transit permits can be obtained from the Home Ministry. South Andaman is the third largest island in the island group. It is located immediately south of Middle Andaman Island and Baratang, from which it is separated only by a narrow channel, a few hundred meters wide. The island is 83 km long and 28 km at its widest part. Its area is 1262 km2. South Andaman is less mountainous than the more northerly of the Andaman Islands. Koiob reaches a height of 459 m above sea level.

Administration

Politically, South Andaman Island has the tehsils of Ferrargunj and Sri Vijaya Puram.

Demographics

Port Blair, the capital of the islands, is located on the southern part of this island. Other big cities are : Bambooflat, Prothrapur, and Garacharma. South Andaman had a population of 238,142 at the 2011 census. The effective literacy rate (i.e. the literacy rate of population excluding children aged 6 and below) is 89.13.

Tourism

South Andaman plays very important role in the tourism sector as it serves as an entry point to the Andamans. There are many tour operators and travel agencies in Port Blair.