About Vanuatu
Located only 2,250 kilometres north east of Sydney, Australia, and just north of French territory New Caledonia, Vanuatu is the longest established offshore centre in the Pacific. A former Anglo-French condominium known as New Hebrides, the country has been an independent democratic Republic since July 30th, 1980.
With its sub-tropical climate, some 80 islands scattered in a Y shape over 1,000 kilometres, traditional Melanesian customs and dual English and French influence inherited from pre-independence days, Vanuatu offers an easy and attractive lifestyle in a unique land of contrasts.
People
- Population: 215,053 (2007)
- Population growth rate: 1.43 percent
- Projected population in 2025: 263,267
- Ethnic groups: Ni-Vanuatu, Australian, European, Chinese, and other Pacific Islanders
- Languages: English, French, Bislama, indigenous dialects
Economy
- Currency: Vatu (VT)
- GDP Current per capita: VT 205.9 Billion
- GDP Constant per capita: VT 19.2 Billion
- Industry: Tourism, Copra, beef, cocoa, timber, kava, coffee
Government
- Type: Parliamentary Republic
- Independence: 30 July 1980 (from France and UK)