Country information - ANZ in Vanuatu

Country information

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)