Vanuatu Location : Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to Australia
Capital City : Port-Vila
Curreny : vatu (VUV)
Languages Spoken : three official languages: English, French, pidgin (known as Bislama or Bichelama), plus more than 100 local languages
Climate : tropical; moderated by southeast trade winds
National Holiday : Independence Day, 30 July (1980)
Background Information
The British and French who settled the New Hebrides in the 19th century, agreed in 1906 to an Anglo-French Condominium, which administered the islands until independence in 1980.
Geographical Note
a Y-shaped chain of four main islands and 80 smaller islands; several of the islands have active volcanoes
Economy
The economy is based primarily on subsistence or small-scale agriculture which provides a living for 65% of the population. Fishing, offshore financial services, and tourism, with about 50,000 visitors in 1997, are other mainstays of the economy. Mineral deposits are negligible; the country has no known petroleum deposits. A small light industry sector caters to the local market. Tax revenues come mainly from import duties. 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. A severe earthquake in November 1999 followed by a tsunami, caused extensive damage to the northern island of Pentecote and left thousands homeless. Another powerful earthquake in January 2002 caused extensive damage in the capital, Port-Vila, and surrounding areas, and also was followed by a tsunami. GDP growth has risen less than 3% on average in the 1990s. In response to foreign concerns, the government has promised to tighten regulation of its offshore financial center.
Religions
Presbyterian 36.7%, Anglican 15%, Roman Catholic 15%, indigenous beliefs 7.6%, Seventh-Day Adventist 6.2%, Church of Christ 3.8%, other 15.7% (including Jon Frum Cargo cult)
Ports : Forari, Port-Vila, Santo (Espiritu Santo)
International Disputes - Risks to travellers
: Matthew and Hunter Islands east of New Caledonia claimed by Vanuatu and France
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