kembor

Kembor is a small municipality located on the western coast of the island of Vana in the Milne Archipelago. The town sits at an elevation of approximately 30 metres above sea level and covers an area of roughly 12 square kilometres. According to the most recent national census, the population of Kembor was 3,820 residents, with a slightly larger proportion of the population living in the central marketplace area than in the surrounding residential districts.

The local economy is predominantly driven by artisanal fishing and small-scale agriculture. Kembor’s waters are particularly rich in seabass and cuttlefish, which support both a local market and limited regional export. Rice and taro are the staple crops cultivated in the lowland fields surrounding the harbor. In recent years the municipality has also developed a modest tourism sector, attracting visitors interested in the area’s cultural heritage and marine wildlife.

Historically, Kembor traces its origins back to the 16th century, when it served as a trading outpost for the island's indigenous people and later as a point of contact for European explorers. The town is characterized by a blend of traditional wooden hut architecture and colonial-inspired masonry. In the early 19th century, missionaries established a small school which serves as the foundation of the current public education system in the region.

Culturally, the community places significant emphasis on communal gatherings and music. The annual Kembor Festival, held each November, features traditional drum performances, dance, and a communal feast that celebrates the harvest and maritime heritage. The local dialect of the Vana language incorporates several loanwords from neighboring Malay states, reflecting centuries of trade and migration.

Public services in Kembor include a primary healthcare clinic, a municipal library, and a community council that administers local matters. Road access is provided by the single coastal highway that connects Kembor to Port Harrow in the capital district, although public transport is limited to a single daily bus service.