Republic of Vanuatu (formerly New Hebrides Islands)
Location
Vanuatu is located about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to Australia. It is west
of Fiji and north of New Caledonia in the area known as Melanesia.
Principal Islands
The four major islands which make up about half of the land area are in order of size - Espiritu Santo, Malekula, Erromango and Efate. Other large islands are Ambrym, Tanna, Epi, Vanua Lava, Gaua (Santa Maria), Ambae, Maewo, and Pentecost.
Land Area
4709 square miles (slightly larger than Connecticut)
12 main islands, 58 inhabited islets, numerous uninhabited islets
Sea Area
262549 square miles
Capital
Port-Vila on the island of Efate (population 32,000)
Government
Vanuatu is a parliamentary republic. The Head of State is President Father John Bani (since 1999). The Prime Minister is Edward Nipake Natapei (since 2001). 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 was granted on July 30, 1980.
Terrain
The islands of Vanuatu consist mostly of mountains of volcanic origin, some of which remain active to this day. Many of the islands have narrow coastal plains. The highest point is Mt. Tabwemasana (6158 feet) on the island of Espiritu Santo.
Climate
Vanuatu has a tropical climate meaning that it is hot and wet. The islands do enjoy a southeast trade wind. The average humidity exceeds 80%. The islands experience occasional cyclones or typhoons from January to April. The islands also have a history of earthquakes which are sometimes followed by tsunamis (tidal waves).
Population
199,414 (July 2003 est.)
The majority of the people are indigenous Melanesians (98%). The remainder of the population includes French, Vietnamese, Chinese and other Pacific Islanders.
Principal Languages
Bislama or Bichelama (pidgin), English, French and over 100 local languages.
Time
UTC + 11 hours
Principal Exports
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. Principal exports include copra, beef, coffee, cocoa, timber, shells.
Sources:
CIA World Factbook
The Pacific Islands: An Encyclopedia - University of Hawaii Press
Vanuatu Tourism Office
