Geography and Environment

Geography and Environment of Vanuatu

Terrain, climate, natural resources, hazards, and environmental conditions of Vanuatu.

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
Highest Point: 1877 — Tabwemasana 1,877 m
Lowest Point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

Natural Resources: Manganese, hardwood forests, and fish remain Vanuatu's principal natural resources. The country's forests cover a significant portion of its land area and support both subsistence use and commercial timber exports, though sustainable management remains an ongoing concern. Marine resources are especially vital, with Vanuatu's exclusive economic zone providing rich fishing grounds that underpin both local food security and the broader Pacific fishing industry. Offshore mineral deposits, including manganese nodules on the seabed, represent potential long-term resources, though large-scale extraction has yet to be developed commercially.
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
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

Detailed geography