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Vanuatu

Capital:Port-Vila (on Efate)
Population:327,300
Currency:Vanuatu Vatu (VUV)
Language:three official languages: English, French, pidgin (known as Bislama or Bichelama), plus more than 100 local languages
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Quick Look Factsheet

A multi-page overview of Vanuatu.

Vanuatu Factsheet

Customs and Culture

Cultural Attributes

Some of the cultural attributes of the people that live in Vanuatu include:

Community-oriented: The people of Vanuatu place a high value on community and social harmony. They have a strong sense of belonging to their local communities and work together to achieve common goals.

Respect for traditional customs: Vanuatu's indigenous people have a deep respect for their traditional customs and practices. They often incorporate traditional beliefs and rituals into their daily lives and celebrations.

Connection to land and nature: Many people in Vanuatu have a deep connection to the land and nature. They rely on the natural environment for food, medicine, and building materials, and they often incorporate nature into their spiritual beliefs and practices.

Hospitality: The people of Vanuatu are known for their hospitality and welcoming nature. They often invite visitors into their homes and communities and offer them food, drink, and friendship.

Artistic expression: The people of Vanuatu have a rich tradition of artistic expression, including music, dance, and visual arts. They often use art as a means of storytelling and preserving their cultural heritage.

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Archipelago of a Thousand Voices

Get More Customs and Culture

5 more cultural topics for members

Social Customs & Etiquette · Diet · Family · Dating Customs · Recreation

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Holidays

  • Independence Day

    7/30

    Independence Day

Dates of Interest

  • July 30th

What are the eating customs in Vanuatu?

Taro root and yams are staple foods, though in many rural areas food is prepared without electricity, while urban people have a large selection of imported foods.

Good to know

  • Taro root and yams are staple foods
  • Rural cooking is often done without electricity
  • Urban areas offer many imported foods

How should I dress in Vanuatu?

Western-style clothing is worn in urban areas, while rural dress is more traditional.

Good to know

  • Western clothing is common in urban areas
  • In rural areas women may wear a fiber skirt without a top
  • Men may wear a traditional loin cloth or shorts and a t-shirt

What gestures should I know about in Vanuatu?

Namele leaves signal peace, but crossed leaves indicate a dispute and a warning not to enter, and some places are taboo to women.

Don’t

  • Don't enter land or a business where two Namele leaves are crossed, as it signals a dispute
  • On Ambrym island, women should not look at or enter the area of the Fanla chief's house

Good to know

  • Namele leaves are a sign of peace and appear on the Vanuatu flag
  • Shells on a house roof remind women of a taboo place

What are families like in Vanuatu?

Family roles vary by area, with men in charge in some villages and women in others, and some marriages are arranged by family and descent.

Good to know

  • In some villages men lead, in others women lead
  • In some rural areas marriage partners are determined by family and descent
  • Marriages are usually accompanied by gifts exchanged between the groom and the bride's family

What do people do for recreation in Vanuatu?

A lack of electricity in many rural areas limits recreational activities, and socializing over Kava is common for men.

Good to know

  • Socializing and drinking Kava is common among men
  • Recreation is limited in rural areas without electricity

What should I know about the culture before visiting Vanuatu?

Ni-Vanuatu are community-oriented and hospitable, with a deep respect for traditional customs and a strong connection to land and nature.

Good to know

  • Community and social harmony are highly valued
  • Hospitality is common, with visitors often welcomed with food, drink, and friendship
  • Traditional customs and rituals are woven into daily life
  • Music, dance, and visual arts are important forms of cultural expression

Last updated: 2026-07-12 · Sources: CountryReports

Photos of Vanuatu

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Travel and Tourism

Travel Alert Status
Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions
Currency
vatu (VUV)
Time Difference
UTC+11 (16 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
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
Airports
30
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Recipes

Featured Dish

Pumpkin Soup

Side Dish

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History

Historical Eras

  1. Austronesian Settlement

    2000 BCE – 1606

    Austronesian-speaking peoples arrived in the islands approximately 4,000 years ago, establishing the Melanesian cultures that would define the archipelago. Pottery fragments dated to 1300–1100 BCE attest to early settlement. These communities developed diverse languages and customs across the islands, with the population reaching significant levels before European contact introduced disease and disruption.

  2. European Contact

    1606 – 1865

    Portuguese explorer Pedro Fernández de Quirós became the first European to sight the islands in 1606, believing Espíritu Santo to be the fabled southern continent. Louis Antoine de Bougainville and Captain James Cook subsequently charted the archipelago, with Cook naming it the New Hebrides in 1774. The sandalwood trade from 1825, followed by the brutal 'blackbirding' indentured labor trade of the 1860s, devastated the indigenous Melanesian population.

  3. Colonial Settlement

    1865 – 1906

    European settlers arrived in increasing numbers to establish cotton, coffee, and coconut plantations, with British Australians initially dominant until the French Caledonian Company of the New Hebrides shifted the balance in France's favor by the 1880s. Missionaries of both Catholic and Protestant denominations established a presence alongside commercial interests. Competing British and French claims over the islands created diplomatic friction that neither power could resolve through annexation.

  4. Anglo-French Condominium

    1906 – 1980

    France and Britain agreed in 1906 to jointly administer the New Hebrides under the unique British-French Condominium, which maintained parallel governmental and legal systems while barring Melanesians from citizenship of either power. The arrival of American forces during World War II stimulated indigenous nationalism, fueling movements such as the John Frum cargo cult. The Vanua'aku Pati, founded in the early 1970s by figures including Father Walter Lini, pressed successfully for self-determination.

  5. Independence & Modern Era

    1980 – present

    The Republic of Vanuatu was proclaimed on July 30, 1980, with Walter Lini serving as the country's first Prime Minister; Vanuatu joined the United Nations in 1981. The nation navigated recurring political instability marked by frequent changes of government while developing its economy around tourism, offshore financial services, and agriculture. Natural hazards have periodically tested the country, including the eruption of Mount Manaro in 2005 and the devastating impact of Cyclone Pam in 2015.

Overview

The prehistory of Vanuatu is obscure; archaeological evidence supports the commonly held theory that peoples speaking Austronesian languages first came to the islands some 4,000 years ago. Pottery fragments have been found dating back to 1300-1100 B.C.

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Timeline of Key Events

  1. 1605

    Islands visited by Spanish navigator Pedro Ferdinand de Quiros.

    Islands visited by Spanish navigator Pedro Ferdinand de Quiros.

  2. 1768

    Louis Antoine de Bougainville names the islands Les Grandes Cyclades.

    Louis Antoine de Bougainville names the islands Les Grandes Cyclades.

  3. 1774

    British explorer Captain Cook charts the islands calling them the New Hebrides.

    British explorer Captain Cook charts the islands calling them the New Hebrides.

  4. 1865

    European settlers begin to arrive on the islands.

    European settlers begin to arrive on the islands.

  5. 1878

    Britain and France agreed to Island group remaining independent.

    Britain and France agreed to Island group remaining independent.

  6. 1906

    Britain and France make the country a Condominium, under joint administration.

    Britain and France make the country a Condominium, under joint administration. Each power is responsible for its own citizens but indigenous New Hebrideans are looked after by both countries. Non-New Hebrideans choose which country they want to be governed by.

  7. 1906

    Coup d’etat failed.

    Coup d’etat failed.

View full timeline (10 events)
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Interesting Facts

  • There are over 113 languages spoken in Vanuatu. Official languages are English, French and Bislama (also known as pidgin).

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Geography and Environment

Terrain
mostly mountainous islands of volcanic origin; narrow coastal plains
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
Natural Hazards
tropical cyclones or typhoons (January to April); volcanism causes minor earthquakes; tsunamis
Current Environmental Issues
a majority of the population does not have access to a potable and reliable supply of water; deforestation
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People & Demographics

Religion

Languages Spoken

three official languages: English, French, pidgin (known as Bislama or Bichelama), plus more than 100 local languages

  • English
  • French
  • Pidgin

Population

Population
327,300
Population in Major Urban Areas
PORT-VILA (capital) 47,000
Nationality Noun
Ni-Vanuatu (singular and plural)
Ethnic Groups
indigenous Melanesian 98%, French, Vietnamese, Chinese, other Pacific Islanders

Education

Literacy Definition
age 15 and over can read and write

Health Information

Life Expectancy at Birth
Life expectancy at birth in Vanuatu stands at approximately 70 years overall, with women typically outliving men by several years. Female life expectancy is estimated at around 72 years, while male life expectancy sits closer to 68 years. These figures place Vanuatu in a moderate range compared to other Pacific Island nations and reflect ongoing improvements in public health infrastructure over recent decades. Several factors influence life expectancy across the archipelago. Access to healthcare remains uneven, with residents of the capital Port Vila and the island of Luganville enjoying comparatively better medical facilities than those living on Vanuatu's more remote outer islands. The country's scattered geography — spanning over 80 inhabited islands — presents significant challenges for delivering consistent health services, including maternal care, vaccinations, and treatment for communicable diseases. Improvements in child survival rates have been a meaningful driver of rising life expectancy over the past generation. Infant mortality has declined substantially, and immunization programs covering diseases such as measles, polio, and tuberculosis have expanded their reach into rural communities. These gains have helped push overall life expectancy upward from levels recorded in earlier decades. Non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and respiratory conditions, are increasingly contributing to premature death as dietary patterns shift and urbanization accelerates. Tropical infectious diseases, including dengue fever, also remain persistent health concerns that affect population wellbeing and longevity. Natural disasters pose an additional indirect threat to life expectancy. Vanuatu is consistently ranked among the world's most disaster-prone countries, and major cyclone events have disrupted health services, damaged infrastructure, and strained the country's limited medical resources for extended periods. Tropical Cyclone Harold, which struck in April 2020, caused widespread destruction across several islands and compounded existing health system pressures during a particularly difficult period. Despite these challenges, Vanuatu's overall trajectory in life expectancy has been positive, reflecting the combined efforts of the national government, international health organizations, and community-level health workers who provide services across this geographically complex nation.

Life Expectancy

Life Expectancy at Birth
Life expectancy at birth in Vanuatu stands at approximately 70 years overall, with women typically outliving men by several years. Female life expectancy is estimated at around 72 years, while male life expectancy sits closer to 68 years. These figures place Vanuatu in a moderate range compared to other Pacific Island nations and reflect ongoing improvements in public health infrastructure over recent decades. Several factors influence life expectancy across the archipelago. Access to healthcare remains uneven, with residents of the capital Port Vila and the island of Luganville enjoying comparatively better medical facilities than those living on Vanuatu's more remote outer islands. The country's scattered geography — spanning over 80 inhabited islands — presents significant challenges for delivering consistent health services, including maternal care, vaccinations, and treatment for communicable diseases. Improvements in child survival rates have been a meaningful driver of rising life expectancy over the past generation. Infant mortality has declined substantially, and immunization programs covering diseases such as measles, polio, and tuberculosis have expanded their reach into rural communities. These gains have helped push overall life expectancy upward from levels recorded in earlier decades. Non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and respiratory conditions, are increasingly contributing to premature death as dietary patterns shift and urbanization accelerates. Tropical infectious diseases, including dengue fever, also remain persistent health concerns that affect population wellbeing and longevity. Natural disasters pose an additional indirect threat to life expectancy. Vanuatu is consistently ranked among the world's most disaster-prone countries, and major cyclone events have disrupted health services, damaged infrastructure, and strained the country's limited medical resources for extended periods. Tropical Cyclone Harold, which struck in April 2020, caused widespread destruction across several islands and compounded existing health system pressures during a particularly difficult period. Despite these challenges, Vanuatu's overall trajectory in life expectancy has been positive, reflecting the combined efforts of the national government, international health organizations, and community-level health workers who provide services across this geographically complex nation.
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Government & Politics

Country Identity

Country Name
Vanuatu
Full Country Name
Republic of Vanuatu
Former Name
New Hebrides

Government Structure

Government Type
parliamentary republic
Legal System
unified system being created from former dual French and British systems
Executive Branch
chief of state: President Nikenike VUROBARAVU (since 23 July 2022) head of government: Prime Minister Charlot SALWAI (since 6 March 2024); Deputy Prime Minister Silas YATAN (since 6 March 2024) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister, responsible to Parliament elections: president elected for a five-year term by an electoral college consisting of Parliament and the presidents of the regional councils; election for president last held 23 July 2022 (next to be held in 2027); following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition is usually elected prime minister by Parliament from among its members; general elections last held 13 January 2022 (next to be held in 2026) election results: Nikenike VUROBARAVU elected president in the ninth round of voting by the electoral college on 23 July 2022; Charlot SALWAI elected prime minister by Parliament on 6 March 2024 following the resignation of Sato KILMAN
Legislative Branch
Unicameral Parliament (52 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) Elections: Last held on 13 March 2024 (next to be held in 2028) Election results: Seats by party — Vanua'aku Pati (VP) 9, Union of Moderate Parties (UMP) 7, Rural Development Party (RDP) 7, Reunification of Movements for Change (RMC) 5, National United Party (NUP) 4, Laverwo Naleo Vanuatu (LNV) 3, People's Progressive Party (PPP) 3, other and independent 14; note — political party associations remain fluid and coalition alignments frequently shift following elections Note: The National Council of Chiefs (Malvatu Mauri) serves in an advisory capacity on matters of culture and custom, and holds a constitutionally recognized role in Vanuatu's governance structure
Judicial Branch
Supreme Court (chief justice is appointed by the president after consultation with the prime minister and the leader of the opposition, three other justices are appointed by the president on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission)
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Constitution
30-Jul-80
Independence
30 July 1980 (from France and UK)
National Holiday
Independence Day, 30 July (1980)

Capital City

Capital Name
Port-Vila (on Efate)
Capital - geographic coordinate
17 44 S, 168 19 E
Capital Time Difference
UTC+11 (16 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

there are two possibilities for the origin of the name: early European settlers were Portuguese and "vila" means "village or town" in Portuguese, hence "Port-Vila" would mean "Port Town"; alternatively, the site of the capital is referred to as "Efil" or "Ifira" in native languages, "Vila" is a likely corruption of these names

Military

Branches: no regular military forces; Vanuatu Police Force (VPF), Vanuatu Mobile Force (VMF; includes Police Maritime Wing (PMW))

Embassy / Diplomatic Mission

U.S. Embassy in Papua New Guinea

Douglas Street, Port Moresby

Express/courier mail service address: U.S. Embassy, Douglas St., Port Moresby, NCD 121.

Mailing address: PO Box 1492, Port Moresby, NCD 121, Papua New Guinea

Telephone: 675 321-1455

After-hours emergency number for U.S. citizens: 675 7200-9439

Email: consularportmoresby@state.gov

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Economy

Vanuatu's South Pacific island economy is based primarily on small-scale agriculture, which provides a livelihood for roughly two-thirds of the population.

Snapshot

Currency Name and Code
Vanuatu Vatu (VUV)
GDP Real Growth Rate
3%
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News & Weather

Current Weather

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Latest News

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Climate Overview

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

Videos

1 curated YouTube videos.

  • Source: YouTube

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of Vanuatu?
The population of Vanuatu is approximately 327,300.
What are the eating customs in Vanuatu?
Taro root and yams are staple foods, though in many rural areas food is prepared without electricity, while urban people have a large selection of imported foods. Taro root and yams are staple foods Rural cooking is often done without electricity Urban areas offer many imported foods
How should I dress in Vanuatu?
Western-style clothing is worn in urban areas, while rural dress is more traditional. Western clothing is common in urban areas In rural areas women may wear a fiber skirt without a top Men may wear a traditional loin cloth or shorts and a t-shirt
What gestures should I know about in Vanuatu?
Namele leaves signal peace, but crossed leaves indicate a dispute and a warning not to enter, and some places are taboo to women. Don't: Don't enter land or a business where two Namele leaves are crossed, as it signals a dispute On Ambrym island, women should not look at or enter the area of the Fanla chief's house Namele leaves are a sign of peace and appear on the Vanuatu flag Shells on a house roof remind women of a taboo place
What are families like in Vanuatu?
Family roles vary by area, with men in charge in some villages and women in others, and some marriages are arranged by family and descent. In some villages men lead, in others women lead In some rural areas marriage partners are determined by family and descent Marriages are usually accompanied by gifts exchanged between the groom and the bride's family
What do people do for recreation in Vanuatu?
A lack of electricity in many rural areas limits recreational activities, and socializing over Kava is common for men. Socializing and drinking Kava is common among men Recreation is limited in rural areas without electricity
What should I know about the culture before visiting Vanuatu?
Ni-Vanuatu are community-oriented and hospitable, with a deep respect for traditional customs and a strong connection to land and nature. Community and social harmony are highly valued Hospitality is common, with visitors often welcomed with food, drink, and friendship Traditional customs and rituals are woven into daily life Music, dance, and visual arts are important forms of cultural expression
What is the capital of Vanuatu?
Port-Vila, located on the island of Efate, is the capital and largest city of Vanuatu. It serves as the political, economic, and cultural hub of the archipelago. The city blends French and British colonial heritage with Melanesian traditions, reflecting the country's unique dual colonial past under the Anglo-French Condominium. Port-Vila's harbor is one of the most active in the South Pacific and is a common stop for regional cruise ships.
Where is Vanuatu located?
Vanuatu is an island nation situated in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, in the region of Melanesia within Oceania. The archipelago consists of roughly 80 islands stretching in a Y-shaped chain, lying approximately 1,750 kilometers east of northern Australia and west of Fiji. Its nearest neighbors include the Solomon Islands to the north and New Caledonia to the south.
What ocean and seas surround Vanuatu?
As an island nation, Vanuatu is entirely surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, with the Coral Sea forming its western maritime boundary. The islands sit along the Pacific Ring of Fire, making the region seismically and volcanically active. Several of Vanuatu's islands, including Tanna, are home to active volcanoes, and the country regularly experiences earthquakes and tropical cyclones.
What is the predominant religion in Vanuatu?
Presbyterian Christianity is the largest religious denomination in Vanuatu, practiced by approximately 36 percent of the population. Anglican Christianity accounts for around 15 percent of adherents, with numerous other Christian denominations making up much of the remainder. Christianity was introduced by European missionaries in the 19th century and became deeply embedded in ni-Vanuatu society, though traditional Melanesian spiritual beliefs continue to influence local customs and ceremonies.
What is the currency of Vanuatu?
The official currency of Vanuatu is the Vanuatu Vatu, with the ISO code VUV. The vatu was introduced at independence in 1980, replacing the New Hebrides franc that had circulated during the period of joint British and French colonial administration. The Reserve Bank of Vanuatu manages monetary policy and the issuance of the currency.
What languages are spoken in Vanuatu?
Vanuatu has three official languages: English, French, and Bislama (also written as Bichelama), a creole pidgin that serves as the most widely used lingua franca among the islands' diverse population. Beyond these, Vanuatu is one of the world's most linguistically dense nations, with over 113 distinct local languages spoken across the archipelago — an extraordinary number relative to its small population. Bislama evolved during the colonial era as a practical means of communication between islanders who spoke mutually unintelligible native tongues.
What is the geography of Vanuatu like?
Vanuatu is an archipelago of approximately 80 islands in the southwestern Pacific, the majority of which are volcanic in origin and characterized by rugged, mountainous interiors, dense tropical rainforest, and narrow coastal plains. The islands range from large, elevated landmasses such as Espiritu Santo and Malekula to small coral atolls. The country lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, and active volcanoes, including Mount Yasur on Tanna, are among its most dramatic geographical features.
What is Vanuatu known for?
Vanuatu is known internationally for Mount Yasur, one of the world's most accessible active volcanoes on Tanna island, which draws visitors who can observe eruptions from its rim. The country is also recognized for land diving (Naghol) on Pentecost Island, an ancient ritual considered the precursor to modern bungee jumping. Vanuatu is a premier scuba diving destination, home to the SS President Coolidge, one of the world's most famous accessible shipwrecks. Kava, a traditional ceremonial drink made from the roots of the Piper methysticum plant, is both a cultural institution and a significant agricultural export.

Last reviewed 2026

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