Vanuatu

Overview

Vanuatu, country in the south western Pacific Ocean, consisting of a chain of 13 principal and many smaller islands located about 500 miles (800 km) west of Fiji and 1,100 miles (1,770 km) east of Australia.

The islands extend north-south for some 400 miles (650 km) in an irregular Y shape. The Torres Islands are the northernmost group. Southward from the Torres group, the main islands are Vanua Lava and Santa Maria (Gaua) in the Banks Islands group, Espiritu Santo, Aoba (Ambae), Maéwo, Pentecost, Malakula, Ambrym, Épi, Éfaté, Erromango, Tanna, and Anatom.

Some 200 miles (320 km) to the southeast of Anatom, two uninhabited islands, Hunter and Matthew, are claimed by both Vanuatu and France (as part of New Caledonia).

Formerly the jointly administered Anglo-French condominium of the New Hebrides, Vanuatu achieved independence in 1980. The name Vanuatu means “Our Land Forever” in many of the locally used Melanesian languages. The capital, largest city, and commercial centre is Port-Vila (Vila), on Éfaté.

History

Vanuatu was jointly governed by Britain and France as a condominium from 1906. It became independent in 1980.

Food & culture

Laplap, a baked pudding of grated root vegetables with coconut cream, is the national dish.

Wildlife

The reefs and wrecks are home to turtles, dugongs and colourful reef fish.

Festivals & events

Naghol, the land diving ceremony on Pentecost Island, takes place between April and June.

Things to see

The Mount Yasur volcano on Tanna, the SS President Coolidge wreck dive, Champagne Beach and the blue holes of Espiritu Santo.

Interesting facts

Naghol inspired modern bungee jumping.

Neighbours

Vanuatu has no land borders with other countries.