Vanuatu flag

Country in Oceania

Vanuatu

Vanuatu is a Melanesian archipelago of 80 islands known for active volcanoes, dramatic rituals including land diving, exceptional wreck diving, and a remarkable diversity of languages and cultures.

CapitalPort Vila
LanguageBislama, English
CurrencyVanuatu vatu
Population321k

Key Facts

CapitalPort Vila
RegionOceania / Melanesia
GovernmentUnitary parliamentary republic
Independence1980
Area12,189 km2
Population density23/km2
Time zoneVUT (UTC+11)
Calling code+678
Drives onRight

Quick View

HDI
0.607
Safety index
63.0
Internet access
25%
Life expectancy
70.6

Sources: World Bank, Numbeo, UN.

Top 3 Highest Mountains

Tabwemasana1,879 m
Mount Suretamatai1,730 m
Mount Vetlam1,619 m

Religion (est.)

  • Christianity93%
  • Indigenous faiths5%
  • Other2%
  • No religion0%

Why Visit

Mount YasurOne of the world's most accessible active volcanoes, on Tanna Island.
Blue HoleCrystal-clear blue holes and swimming spots across Espiritu Santo.
SS President CoolidgeOne of the world's greatest wreck dives, a luxury liner turned troop ship sunk in 1942.
Pentecost Land DivingRitual vine-jumping ceremony that inspired bungee jumping.
Cultural DiversityOver 100 languages and distinct island cultures in a nation of 80 islands.

Top 3 Cities by Population

Port Vila
44k
Luganville
16k
Isangel
2k

Climate Overview

28CJan avg.
22CJul avg.
4,000 mmYearly rainfall
Tropical, wet and dry seasonsClimate

Other Quick Info

CurrencyVanuatu vatu
Official languageBislama, English
National day30 July
Electricity230V, Type I