Vanuatu

Melanesia

Vanuatu is a country in Melanesia, home to 335,000 people, with an area of 12,189 km². Its capital is Port Vila.

Capital: Port Vila
Population: 335,000
Area: 12,189 km²
Region: Melanesia
Density: 27.5 / km²
Status: Sovereign state

Vanuatu · Melanesia · map loads on click

Population: UN World Population Prospects, 2024 revision. Area: CIA World Factbook.

What Vanuatu is known for

Vanuatu is best known for Champagne Beach, Millennium Cave and Port Vila Market.

Vanuatu is a small island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean. It is known for its beautiful beaches, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural heritage.

Vanuatu at a glance

Language: Bislama, French, and English are the official languages, with many indigenous languages also spoken
Currency: Vanuatu vatu (VUV)
Religion: Christianity is the predominant religion in Vanuatu, with various denominations represented
National dish: Lap Lap, a traditional dish made of grated root vegetables and coconut cream, is considered one of Vanuatu's national dishes
Climate: Vanuatu has a tropical climate with two seasons: a wet season from November to April and a dry season from May to October
Main industries: Agriculture, tourism, and fishing
GDP: $966 million (nominal, 2020 estimate)
Development: Vanuatu is considered a developing country with a human development index (HDI) ranking of 136 out of 189 countries (2020)

Things to do in Vanuatu

Some of the main tourist attractions in Vanuatu include:

Mt. Yasur: an active volcano located on the island of Tanna that visitors can hike up to and watch erupt.
Champagne Beach a stunning beach on the island of Espiritu Santo known for its clear waters and white sand.
Millennium Cave a natural cave on the island of Espiritu Santo that visitors can explore on a guided tour.
Port Vila Market a bustling market in the capital city where visitors can buy fresh produce, local handicrafts, and souvenirs.
Nanda Blue Hole a natural freshwater swimming hole on the island of Efate known for its bright blue water.
Mele Cascades a series of waterfalls on the island of Efate that visitors can hike to and swim in.
Ekasup Cultural Village a traditional village on the island of Efate where visitors can learn about Vanuatu's indigenous cultures and customs.
Oyster Island a small island off the coast of Espiritu Santo known for its snorkeling and diving opportunities.
Chief Roi Mata's Domain a UNESCO World Heritage site on the island of Efate that preserves the remains of a powerful chief's residence and burial site.
Ambrym Island an island known for its unique culture and the presence of two active volcanoes that visitors can hike up to.

These are just a few examples of the many attractions that Vanuatu has to offer. The country's friendly people, rich culture, and stunning natural beauty make it a unique and memorable destination.

Vanuatu in pictures

Vanuatu on video

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Vanuatu compared with its neighbours

How it sits against the other countries of Melanesia.

Country	Population	Area	Capital
Papua New Guinea	10.6 million	462,840 km²	Port Moresby
Fiji	930,000	18,274 km²	Suva
Solomon Islands	820,000	28,896 km²	Honiara
Vanuatu	335,000	12,189 km²	Port Vila