Vanuatu

This island nation is an archipelago in Melanesia in the South Pacific, formed by 83 islands arranged in a Y-shape and featuring active volcanoes, rainforests, and coral reefs. The two main islands, Espiritu Santo and Efate, hold most settlements, while smaller islands remain lightly populated and are reached by ferry or light aircraft.

European explorers charted the islands from the 17th century onward, before a joint British-French condominium was established in 1906. The shared administration ended in 1980, when the independent parliament began its work in Port Vila.

The population speaks Bislama, a creole language rooted in English and French, alongside more than one hundred local languages across the different islands. Coastal villages often rely on fishing and gardening, while markets in larger towns offer fresh fruit, vegetables, and handcrafted goods.

The capital Port Vila on Efate offers international flight connections, while smaller islands require domestic flights or ferry links. The dry season from May to October provides better travel conditions with less rainfall and more comfortable temperatures.

The wreck of the SS President Coolidge off Espiritu Santo ranks among the largest accessible World War II wrecks and holds military equipment, jeeps, and personal items at depths of 65 to 230 feet (20 to 70 meters). Divers can swim through cargo holds and corridors where vehicles and crew belongings remain visible.

Location: Malampa

Inception: July 30, 1980

Capital city: Port Vila

Part of: Melanesia, European Union tax haven blacklist

Shares border with: Australia, Solomon Islands

Website: https://gov.vu

GPS coordinates: -16.52551,168.10692

Latest update: December 15, 2025 12:00