or HALMAHERA, one of the Molucca or Spice Islands in the Indian Archipelago, lying principally between Gilpin. 1. S. and 2. N. Lat., and 127.30. and 128.30. E. Long. It is of a very irregular form, consisting of a common centre from which four peninsulas extend to the N., N.E., E.S.E., and S., respectively. It has an area of about 6600 square miles, and is for administrative purposes divided into two parts, the greater being under the sultan of Ternate, and having about 19,000 inhabitants; the smaller portion has only about 4000 inhabitants, and is nominally under the sultan of Tidor. Gilolo is of volcanic origin, and is covered with mountains, some of which (particularly in the N. and N.E. peninsula) attain a great height. Some parts of it are densely wooded. Its chief products are sago, cocoa-nuts, spices, fruits, edible birds' nests, pearls, and gold-dust. Horses, horned cattle, and sheep, are abundant. Trade is carried on chiefly with the Dutch East Indian settlements, whence are imported manufactured goods, opium, china-ware, and iron.