Vanuatu Overview
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Where is Vanuatu located?

What countries border Vanuatu?

Vanuatu Facts and Culture

What is Vanuatu famous for?

  • Cultural Attributes: Some of the cultural attributes of the people that live in Vanuatu include: Community-oriented: The people of Vanuatu place a high... More
  • Family: Family roles vary depending upon the area. In some villages the men are in charge in others the women are... More
  • Personal Apperance: Western style of clothing is worn in urban areas. In rural areas women may wear a fiber skirt without a... More
  • Recreation: A lack of electricity in many rural areas limits the recreational activities. Socializing and drinking Kava is common for men. More
  • Diet: The cuisine of Vanuatu is rich in flavors and includes a variety of dishes made from fresh and natural ingredients. Some... More
  • Food and Recipes: Taro root and yams are staple foods. In many rural areas food is prepared without electricity. Urban people have a... More

Vanuatu Facts

What is the capital of Vanuatu?

Capital Port-Vila (on Efate)
Government Type parliamentary republic
Currency Vanuatu Vatu (VUV)
Total Area 4,706 Square Miles
12,189 Square Kilometers
Location Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to Australia
Language three official languages: English, French, pidgin (known as Bislama or Bichelama), plus more than 100 local languages
GDP - real growth rate -2%
GDP - per capita (PPP) $2,600.00 (USD)

Vanuatu Demographics

What is the population of Vanuatu?

Ethnic Groups indigenous Melanesian 98%, French, Vietnamese, Chinese, other Pacific Islanders
Nationality Noun Ni-Vanuatu (singular and plural)
Population 298,333
Population Growth Rate 2.06%
Population in Major Urban Areas PORT-VILA (capital) 47,000
Urban Population 24.900000

Vanuatu Government

What type of government does Vanuatu have?

Executive Branch chief of state: President Nikenike VUROBARAVU (since 23 July 2022)

head of government: Prime Minister Charlot SALWAI (since 6 October 2023)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister, responsible to Parliament

elections/appointments: president indirectly elected by an electoral college consisting of Parliament and presidents of the 6 provinces; Vanuatu president serves a 5-year term; election last held on 23 July 2022 (next to be held in 2027); following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition usually elected prime minister by Parliament from among its members; election for prime minister last held on 20 April 2020 (next to be held following general elections in 2024)

election results: 2022: Nikenike VUROBARAVU elected president in eighth round; electoral college vote - Nikenike VUROBARAVU (VP) 48 votes, Solas MOLISA (VP) 4 votes; note - Charlot SALWAI (RMC) elected prime minister on 6 October 2023, 29 votes for, 0 against; Prime Minister Sato KILMAN lost no-confidence vote on 6 October 2023, requiring a new election
Suffrage 18 years of age; universal
Citizenship citizenship by birth: no

citizenship by descent only: both parents must be citizens of Vanuatu; in the case of only one parent, it must be the father who is a citizen

dual citizenship recognized: no

residency requirement for naturalization: 10 years
National Holiday Independence Day, 30 July (1980)
Constitution history: draft completed August 1979, finalized by constitution conference 19 September 1979, ratified by French and British Governments 23 October 1979, effective 30 July 1980 at independence

amendments: proposed by the prime minister or by the Parliament membership; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote by Parliament in special session with at least three fourths of the membership; passage of amendments affecting the national and official languages, or the electoral and parliamentary system also requires approval in a referendum; amended several times, last in 2013
Independence 30 July 1980 (from France and the UK)

Vanuatu Video

YouTube: Expedia Vanuatu Vacation Travel Guide

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Vanuatu Geography

What environmental issues does Vanuatu have?

Climate tropical; moderated by southeast trade winds from May to October; moderate rainfall from November to April; may be affected by cyclones from December to April
Environment - Current Issues a majority of the population does not have access to a potable and reliable supply of water; deforestation
Environment - International Agreements party to: Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 94

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Terrain mostly mountainous islands of volcanic origin; narrow coastal plains

Vanuatu Economy

How big is the Vanuatu economy?

Economic Overview This South Pacific island economy is based primarily on small-scale agriculture, which provides a living for about two thirds of the population. Fishing, offshore financial services, and tourism, with more than 330,000 visitors in 2017, are other mainstays of the economy. Tourism has struggled after Efate, the most populous and most popular island for tourists, was damaged by Tropical Cyclone Pam in 2015. Ongoing infrastructure difficulties at Port Vila’s Bauerfield Airport have caused air travel disruptions, further hampering tourism numbers. Australia and New Zealand are the main source of tourists and foreign aid. A small light industry sector caters to the local market. Tax revenues come mainly from import duties. Mineral deposits are negligible; the country has no known petroleum deposits.

Economic development is hindered by dependence on relatively few commodity exports, vulnerability to natural disasters, and long distances from main markets and between constituent islands. In response to foreign concerns, the government has promised to tighten regulation of its offshore financial center.

Since 2002, the government has stepped up efforts to boost tourism through improved air connections, resort development, and cruise ship facilities. Agriculture, especially livestock farming, is a second target for growth.
Industries food and fish freezing, wood processing, meat canning
Currency Name and Code Vanuatu Vatu (VUV)
Export Partners India 32.9%, Thailand 22.8%, South Korea 10.1%, Indonesia 6.3%, Japan 5.1%
Import Partners Australia 21%, Japan 18.8%, New Zealand 9.4%, Singapore 8%, Fiji 6.5%, India 5.1%

Vanuatu News and Current Events

What current events are happening in Vanuatu?
Source: Google News

Vanuatu Travel Information

What makes Vanuatu a unique country to travel to?

Country Description

Vanuatu is located east of Australia and consists of more than 80 islands in a Y-shaped archipelago. It is an independent parliamentary democracy and a member of the British Commonwealth. Tourist facilities are limited outside the capital, Port Vila. The National Tourism Office of Vanuatu can be contacted at PO Box 209, Port Vila, Vanuatu, telephone (678) 22515, 22685, 22813, fax (678) 23889.

Crime

Although violent crime is rare in Vanuatu, there is a risk that you could be a victim of theft, burglary, sexual harassment, or sexual assault. Take reasonable precautions to avoid exposing yourself to undue risk, especially in tourist areas. Women should avoid going out alone at night or to isolated locations, especially on foot.

If you are a victim of crime in Vanuatu, contact the local police emergency line, which is 112 in Vanuatu, and the U.S. Embassy in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.

Criminal Penalties

Local laws and penalties, including ones that appear to be harsh by U.S. standards, apply to you. If you violate Vanuatu’s laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Crimes related to illegal drugs in Vanuatu are severely penalized. Buying pirated goods, engaging in sexual conduct with children, or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States.

If you are arrested in Vanuatu, request that the police, prison officials, or otherauthorities alert the U.S. Embassy in Papua New Guinea immediately of your arrest.

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are they illegal in the United States, you may also be breaking local law.

Medical Facilities and Health Information

Hospital and medical facilities in Vanuatu are limited. Costs for treatment, including for pharmaceuticals, can be expensive. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for their services. In the event of a serious illness or accident (including diving-related injuries), you would need a medical evacuation to a destination with appropriate facilities, usually Australia. A medical evacuation can cost tens of thousands of U.S. dollars. There is only one hyperbaric chamber for diving accidents in Vanuatu, located in Port Vila. Many of the popular dive sites are located on other islands, and it may take several hours or days to obtain medical assistance in the event of a diving accident.

Pharmacies are located only in urban centers and at missionary clinics. They are small and may be inadequately stocked; bring adequate supplies of medications for your stay in Vanuatu.

Safety and Security

Civil disorder in Vanuatu is rare; however, you should avoid public demonstrations and/or political rallies if they occur.

Traffic Safety and Road Conditions

In Vanuatu, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.

In general, traffic in Vanuatu moves on the right side of the road. Travel can be hazardous. Always use your seatbelt. Roads are generally narrow and in poor repair. Only the capital city of Port Vila and the town of Luganville have consistently paved roads, which have a maximumspeed limit of 30 miles per hour (50 kilometers per hour). On all roads, give way to traffic coming from the right, and to traffic coming from the left at round-abouts. To avoid trespassing, seek permission from local landowners before accessing non-public areas, including beaches. Some landowners may charge a fee for access.

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