Vanuatu is an island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean. It is located to the east of Australia, northeast of New Caledonia, west of Fiji, and south of the Solomon Islands. The country comprises roughly 80 islands, of which 65 are inhabited, and it covers an area of approximately 12,189 square kilometers (4,706 square miles).
Geography
Climate
Vanuatu has a tropical climate characterized by two distinct seasons: a wet season from November to April and a dry season from May to October. The islands experience high humidity and temperatures ranging from 20°C to 32°C (68°F to 90°F) throughout the year.
Fauna
Vanuatu boasts a diverse array of flora and fauna, including tropical rainforests, coral reefs, and marine life. The islands are home to unique species such as the Vanuatu flying fox, coconut crab, and various species of birds, reptiles, and marine mammals.
Longest Rivers
Vanuatu is not known for its rivers, as most of its islands are relatively small and lack large river systems. The country’s freshwater sources primarily consist of streams and small creeks.
Highest Mountains
The highest point in Vanuatu is Mount Tabwemasana, located on the island of Espiritu Santo. It stands at an elevation of 1,879 meters (6,165 feet) above sea level.
History
Prehistory
The islands of Vanuatu have been inhabited for thousands of years, with evidence of human settlement dating back to around 2000 BCE. The indigenous people of Vanuatu, known as Ni-Vanuatu, are descendants of Austronesian-speaking peoples who migrated to the region from Southeast Asia.
European Contact
European explorers first arrived in Vanuatu in the 17th century, with the first recorded sighting by the Spanish navigator Pedro Fernández de Quirós in 1606. Subsequent visits by European explorers and traders led to increased contact with the indigenous population and the establishment of colonial outposts.
Colonial Period
In the 19th century, Vanuatu became a focal point for European colonial powers, particularly Britain and France. The two powers established competing colonial administrations on different islands within the archipelago. The islands were known as the New Hebrides and remained under joint British-French rule until independence.
Independence
Vanuatu gained independence from Britain and France on July 30, 1980, becoming a sovereign nation. Independence marked the culmination of years of political agitation and activism by the indigenous Ni-Vanuatu population, who sought self-determination and an end to colonial rule.
Demographics
Vanuatu has a population of approximately 300,000 people, the majority of whom are of Melanesian descent. There are also small communities of Europeans, Asians, and other ethnic groups. The official languages are Bislama, English, and French, reflecting the country’s colonial history and linguistic diversity.
Administrative Divisions
Vanuatu is divided into six provinces, each administered by a provincial government. The provinces are further subdivided into municipalities, townships, and rural areas. The administrative divisions of Vanuatu are as follows:
- Malampa Province
- Penama Province
- Sanma Province
- Shefa Province
- Tafea Province
- Torba Province
10 Largest Cities by Population
- Port Vila
- Luganville
- Norsup
- Lakatoro
- Isangel
- Sola
- Lenakel
- Saratamata
- Whitesands
- Port Olry
Education Systems
Education in Vanuatu is provided by both government and private institutions at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels. Primary education is free and compulsory for children aged 6 to 12, and efforts have been made to improve access to education in rural and remote areas. The top universities in Vanuatu include the University of the South Pacific and the Vanuatu Institute of Teacher Education.
Transportation
Airports
Vanuatu has several domestic and international airports, including:
- Bauerfield International Airport (Port Vila)
- Santo-Pekoa International Airport (Luganville)
- Whitegrass Airport (Tanna)
- Lonorore Airport (Lakatoro)
- Norsup Airport (Norsup)
Ports
The major ports in Vanuatu include:
- Port Vila Port
- Luganville Port
- Port Resolution (Tanna)
- Lenakel Port (Tanna)
- Lamen Bay Port (Epi)
Country Facts
- Population: 300,000
- Capital: Port Vila
- Official Languages: Bislama, English, French
- Religion: Christianity (predominantly Presbyterian and Anglican)
- Currency: Vanuatu vatu (VUV)
- ISO Country Codes: VU, VUT
- International Calling Code: +678
- Top-Level Domain: .vu