The name Sanma is derived from the initial letters of the main islands of (Espiritu) SANto and MAlo.

Other larger settlements are Hog Harbour, Port Olry, Nakere, Ipaiato, Tasiriki, Tasmate and Malao.

All Sanma Citizens including friends celebrate this special occasion wherever they are domestically or internationally.

The council is elected every four years, the party which has the vast majority of seats sets up the provincial government.

One of the avowed aims of this recent council at Sanma province is to ensure transparency, and good governance.