Vanuatu, Pacific archipelago in Melanesia, Oceania
Description
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.
History
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.
Culture
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.
Practical
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.
Did you know?
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.
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Mount Yasur
363.2 km
Kuwae
57.5 km
Champagne Beach
186.6 km
Lombenben
128 kmMount Tabwemasana
194 km
Lopevi
25.5 km
Aore Island Resort
145.3 km
Vanuatu Cultural Centre
137.6 km
Marum
30.8 km
Korman Stadium
136.7 kmMount Tukosmera
365.7 km
Chief Roi Mata’s Domain
130.7 km
Mount Gharat
257.3 km
Вануа-Лава
311.1 km
Siri Waterfall
257.8 km
Cathédrale du Sacré-Coeur, Port Vila
136.4 km
Benbow
29.6 km
Luganville Soccer Stadium
136 km
Аоба (вулкан)
130.4 km
Анейтьюм (вулкан)
444.4 km
Benbow
29.6 km
Mangaas
123.6 kmМаунт-макдоналд
131.2 km
Лопеві (вулкан)
25.6 kmMount Wonvara
409.3 kmМота (вулкан)
266.9 km
Lowanatom
353 kmRantop
276.6 km
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