World Region Information --- Vanuatu Information
We are researching local information for Vanuatu. The Republic of Vanuatu is an island country located in the South Pacific Ocean. We will feature information that seems good to know when advancing to Vanuatu.
It lies 1,750 km east of northern Australia, 540 km northeast of New Caledonia, east of New Guinea, southeast of the Solomon Islands, and west of Fiji.
Approx. 12,000 km2
Approximately 308,000 people
98% Melanesian
Bislama, English, French
Christianity predominates.
Due to differences between the islands and foreign influences, it maintains a diverse culture.
- Mele Cascades
- Blue Lagoon
- The Reef Vanuatu Zoological
- Mount Yasur
- Mystery Island
Prior to its independence in 1980, its history of joint British and French rule resulted in a diverse educational system that utilizes both English and French.
- National University of Vanuatu
- Vanuatu Institute of Technology
- The University of the South Pacific
From the 1800s to the early 20th century, thousands of Vanuatu were kidnapped and forced to work on sugar and cotton plantations in Queensland, Fiji and Australia (blackbirding).
1865 European settlers arrive on the island
1887 Britain and France establish a Joint Naval Commission on the island
1906 Anglo-French joint rule
1938 Belief in John Frum (cargo cult idol) emerges. Believers abandon Western culture and try to return to the traditional life of the past. UK jails movement leader, bans mention of John Frum
1941-45 During the Pacific War, faith in John Frum rises even more when the U.S. military arrives
1956 John Frum recognized as a religion
1963 Nagriamel movement begins on Espiritu Santo
1971 Nagriamel petitions United Nations to prevent any more New Hebrides lands from being sold to foreigners
1980 The New Hebrides achieve independence within the Commonwealth of Nations as Vanuatu
2005 Mount Manaro erupts
2007 State of emergency declared after Ambrym and Tanna islanders clash in capital
2015 Extensive damage caused by the cyclone
It is a parliamentary democracy. The head of state, the president, is the symbol of national unity and has a predominantly ceremonial role. The prime minister is the head of government. The parliament is unicameral.
- Parliament of Vanuatu
$3,327
Agriculture, tourism, international financial services, livestock farming, and fishing are the major industries.
Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Kiribati, Cook Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Tonga, Nauru, Niue, Vanuatu, Palau, Fiji, Marshall Islands, Micronesia
