[1][2] The island is of volcanic origin, and its highest point, Mount Pomare, which reaches a height of 833 m above sea level, is a quaternary volcano.

Epi suffered depopulation during the nineteenth century on a scale that was more massive than in many other parts of Vanuatu.

[4] Epi has a wide variety of languages for its size, including: Bieria in the south, Maii in the southwest, Baki in the west, Bierebo in the northwest, Lamenu at the northwest tip (and also the island of Lamen), and Lewo in the east.

Epi High School, at Lamen Bay, is being renovated by a joint effort from Kiwanis, Air Vanuatu, and AusAID.

Today most of these have been broken into small holdings, except for the large plantation at Valesdir, which continues to produce copra, beef, and kava.

These workers spend up to seven months of the year in New Zealand working as seasonal labourers in the horticultural industry; returning at the end of the period with their savings.

A worker on the scheme could be anticipated to save approximately 450 000 Vatu over the seven-month work period.

[5] This has provided a substantial cash injection to the local economy and improved the living conditions of many of the residents and their families.