Skip to content. | Skip to navigation

 
Central Intelligence Agency
The Work of a Nation. The Center of Intelligence
World Factbook Title
navigation arrows
View Text Low Bandwidth Version Download Publication
Australia-Oceania :: Vanuatu
page last updated on October 4, 2012
Flag of Vanuatu
(CONTAINS DESCRIPTION)
Location of Vanuatu
Click flag or map to enlarge Opens in New Window
 
Map of Vanuatu
Click map to enlarge Opens in New Window
No Photos available for Vanuatu
 
no photos available of Vanuatu
Expand All | collapse All
Introduction ::Vanuatu
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
Multiple waves of colonizers, each speaking a distinct language, migrated to the New Hebrides in the millennia preceding European exploration in the 18th century. This settlement pattern accounts for the complex linguistic diversity found on the archipelago to this day. The British and French, who settled the New Hebrides in the 19th century, agreed in 1906 to an Anglo-French Condominium, which administered the islands until independence in 1980, when the new name of Vanuatu was adopted.
Back to Top
Geography ::Vanuatu
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to Australia
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
16 00 S, 167 00 E
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
total: 12,189 sq km
country comparison to the world: 164
land: 12,189 sq km
water: 0 sq km
note: includes more than 80 islands, about 65 of which are inhabited
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
slightly larger than Connecticut
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
0 km
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
2,528 km
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
measured from claimed archipelagic baselines
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
tropical; moderated by southeast trade winds from May to October; moderate rainfall from November to April; may be affected by cyclones from December to April
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
mostly mountainous islands of volcanic origin; narrow coastal plains
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Tabwemasana 1,877 m
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
manganese, hardwood forests, fish
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
arable land: 1.64%
permanent crops: 6.97%
other: 91.39% (2005)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
NA
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
tropical cyclones or typhoons (January to April); volcanic eruption on Aoba (Ambae) island began on 27 November 2005, volcanism also causes minor earthquakes; tsunamis
volcanism: significant volcanic activity with multiple eruptions in recent years; Yasur (elev. 361 m), one of the world's most active volcanoes, has experienced continuous activity in recent centuries; other historically active volcanoes include, Aoba, Ambrym, Epi, Gaua, Kuwae, Lopevi, Suretamatai, and Traitor's Head
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
most of the population does not have access to a reliable supply of potable water; deforestation
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
party to: Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 94
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
a Y-shaped chain of four main islands and 80 smaller islands; several of the islands have active volcanoes
Back to Top
People ::Vanuatu
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
noun: Ni-Vanuatu (singular and plural)
adjective: Ni-Vanuatu
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
Ni-Vanuatu 98.5%, other 1.5% (1999 Census)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
local languages (more than 100) 72.6%, pidgin (known as Bislama or Bichelama - official) 23.1%, English (official) 1.9%, French (official) 1.4%, other 0.3%, unspecified 0.7% (1999 Census)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
Protestant 55.6% (Presbyterian 31.4%, Anglican 13.4%, Seventh-Day Adventist 10.8%), Roman Catholic 13.1%, other Christian 13.8%, indigenous beliefs 5.6% (including Jon Frum cargo cult), other 9.6%, none 1%, unspecified 1.3% (1999 Census)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
256,155 (July 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 183
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
0-14 years: 29.1% (33,854 male/ female 32,441)
15-64 years: 66.5% (76,951 male/ female 74,340)
65 years and over: 4.4% (5,046 male/ female 4,942) (2012 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
total: 25.4 years
male: 25.3 years
female: 25.4 years (2012 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
1.321% (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 87
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
20.6 births/1,000 population (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 86
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
7.39 deaths/1,000 population (July 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 118
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 110
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
urban population: 26% of total population (2010)
rate of urbanization: 4.2% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 1.02 male(s)/female
total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2011 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
110 deaths/100,000 live births (2010)
country comparison to the world: 68
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
total: 45.57 deaths/1,000 live births
country comparison to the world: 52
male: 47.99 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 43.03 deaths/1,000 live births (2012 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
total population: 65.06 years
country comparison to the world: 170
male: 63.38 years
female: 66.83 years (2012 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
3.57 children born/woman (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 46
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
4% of GDP (2009)
country comparison to the world: 162
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
0.116 physicians/1,000 population (2008)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
1.69 beds/1,000 population (2008)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
NA
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
NA
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
NA
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
4.8% of GDP (2009)
country comparison to the world: 70
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 74%
male: NA
female: NA (1999 census)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
total: 10 years
male: 11 years
female: 10 years (2004)
Back to Top
Government ::Vanuatu
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
conventional long form: Republic of Vanuatu
conventional short form: Vanuatu
local long form: Ripablik blong Vanuatu
local short form: Vanuatu
former: New Hebrides
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
parliamentary republic
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
name: Port-Vila (on Efate)
geographic coordinates: 17 44 S, 168 19 E
time difference: UTC+11 (16 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
6 provinces; Malampa, Penama, Sanma, Shefa, Tafea, Torba
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
30 July 1980 (from France and the UK)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
30 July 1980
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
mixed legal system of English common law, French law, and customary law
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
18 years of age; universal
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
chief of state: President Iolu Johnson ABBIL (since 3 September 2009)
head of government: Prime Minister Sato KILMAN (since 26 June 2011)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister, responsible to parliament
(For more information visit the World Leaders website Opens in New Window)
elections: president elected for a five-year term by an electoral college consisting of parliament and the presidents of the regional councils; election for president last held on 2 September 2009 (next to be held in 2014); following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition usually elected prime minister by parliament from among its members; election for prime minister last held on 26 June 2011 following a supreme court decision nullifying KILMAN's December 2010 election; KILMAN defeated Vohor SERGE 29 to 23 (next to be held following general elections in 2012)
election results: Iolu Johnson ABBIL elected president, with 41 votes out of 58, on the third ballot on 2 September 2009
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
unicameral Parliament (52 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)
elections: last held on 2 September 2008 (next to be held in 2012)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - VP 11, NUP 8, UMP 7, VRP 7, PPP 4, GC 2, MPP 1, NA 1, NAG 1, PAP 1, Shepherds Alliance 1, VFFP 1, VLP 1, VNP 1, VPRFP 1, and independent 4; note - political party associations are fluid
note: the National Council of Chiefs advises on matters of culture and language
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
Supreme Court (chief justice is appointed by the president after consultation with the prime minister and the leader of the opposition, three other justices are appointed by the president on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
Greens Confederation or GC [Moana CARCASSES]; Jon Frum Movement or JF [Song KEASPAI]; Melanesian Progressive Party or MPP [Barak SOPE]; Nagriamel movement or NAG [Havo MOLI]; Namangi Aute or NA [Paul TELUKLUK]; National United Party or NUP [Ham LINI]; People's Action Party or PAP [Peter VUTA]; People's Progressive Party or PPP [Sato KILMAN]; Shepherds Alliance Party [leader NA]; Union of Moderate Parties or UMP [Serge VOHOR]; Vanua'aku Pati (Our Land Party) or VP [Edward NATAPEI]; Vanuatu Family First Party or VFFP [Eta RORI]; Vanuatu Labor Party or VLP [Joshua KALSAKAU]; Vanuatu National Party or VNP [Issac HAMARILIU]; Vanuatu Republican Farmers Party or VPRFP [Jean RAVOU]; Vanuatu Republican Party or VRP [Maxime Carlot KORMAN]
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
NA
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
ACP, ADB, AOSIS, C, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, IOC, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OAS (observer), OIF, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WTO (observer)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
Vanuatu does not have an embassy in the US; it does, however, have a Permanent Mission to the UN
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
the US does not have an embassy in Vanuatu; the US ambassador to Papua New Guinea is accredited to Vanuatu
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and green with a black isosceles triangle (based on the hoist side) all separated by a black-edged yellow stripe in the shape of a horizontal Y (the two points of the Y face the hoist side and enclose the triangle); centered in the triangle is a boar's tusk encircling two crossed namele fern fronds, all in yellow; red represents the blood of boars and men, green the richness of the islands, and black the ni-Vanuatu people; the yellow Y-shape - which reflects the pattern of the islands in the Pacific Ocean - symbolizes the light of the Gospel spreading through the islands; the boar's tusk is a symbol of prosperity frequently worn as a pendant on the islands; the fern fronds represent peace
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
boar's tusk
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
name: "Yumi, Yumi, Yumi" (We, We, We)
lyrics/music: Francois Vincent AYSSAV
note: adopted 1980, the anthem is written in Bislama, a Creole language that mixes Pidgin English and French
Back to Top
Economy ::Vanuatu
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
This South Pacific island economy is based primarily on small-scale agriculture, which provides a living for about two-thirds of the population. Fishing, offshore financial services, and tourism, with nearly 197,000 visitors in 2008, are other mainstays of the economy. Mineral deposits are negligible; the country has no known petroleum deposits. A small light industry sector caters to the local market. Tax revenues come mainly from import duties. Economic development is hindered by dependence on relatively few commodity exports, vulnerability to natural disasters, and long distances from main markets and between constituent islands. In response to foreign concerns, the government has promised to tighten regulation of its offshore financial center. In mid-2002, the government stepped up efforts to boost tourism through improved air connections, resort development, and cruise ship facilities. Agriculture, especially livestock farming, is a second target for growth. Australia and New Zealand are the main suppliers of tourists and foreign aid.
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
$1.219 billion (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 200
$1.18 billion (2010 est.)
$1.154 billion (2009 est.)
note: data are in 2011 US dollars
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
$743 million (2011 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
3.3% (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 114
2.2% (2010 est.)
3.5% (2009 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
$5,000 (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 154
$4,900 (2010 est.)
$4,900 (2009 est.)
note: data are in 2011 US dollars
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
agriculture: 21.2%
industry: 10.4%
services: 68.4% (2011 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
115,900 (2007)
country comparison to the world: 181
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
agriculture: 65%
industry: 5%
services: 30% (2000 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
1.7% (1999)
country comparison to the world: 9
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
NA%
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
revenues: $202.6 million
expenditures: $192.4 million (2011 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
27.3% of GDP (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 110
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
1.4% of GDP (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 31
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
0.9% (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 9
2.8% (2010 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
20% (31 December 2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 60
6% (31 December 2009 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
5.8% (31 December 2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 148
5.5% (31 December 2010 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
$239.6 million (31 December 2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 177
$126.8 million (31 December 2010 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
$612.3 million (31 December 2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 173
$600.4 million (31 December 2010 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
$499.8 million (31 December 2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 169
$445.5 million (31 December 2010 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
$NA
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
copra, coconuts, cocoa, coffee, taro, yams, fruits, vegetables; beef; fish
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
food and fish freezing, wood processing, meat canning
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
-$60 million (2007 est.)
country comparison to the world: 68
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
$40 million (2006)
country comparison to the world: 201
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
copra, beef, cocoa, timber, kava, coffee
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
Thailand 56.7%, Japan 21.4% (2011)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
$156 million (2006)
country comparison to the world: 206
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, fuels
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
China 26.7%, Singapore 21.2%, Australia 13.5%, NZ 7.2%, Fiji 6.6%, Japan 5.4% (2011)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
$161.4 million (31 December 2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 158
$161.4 million (31 December 2010 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
$81.2 million (2004)
country comparison to the world: 189
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
$367.2 million
country comparison to the world: 95
$333.1 million
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
$15.41 million
country comparison to the world: 87
$15.41 million
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
vatu (VUV) per US dollar -
89.47 (2011 est,)
96.91 (2010 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
calendar year
Back to Top
Energy ::Vanuatu
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
55 million kWh (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 204
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
51.15 million kWh (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 204
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
0 kWh (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 110
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
0 kWh (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 114
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
12,000 kW (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 200
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
100% of total installed capacity (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 30
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
0% of total installed capacity (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 150
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
0% of total installed capacity (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 189
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
0% of total installed capacity (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 167
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
0 bbl/day (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 173
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 162
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
0 bbl/day (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 106
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
0 bbl (1 January 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 175
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
0 bbl/day (2008 est.)
country comparison to the world: 184
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
1,170 bbl/day (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 198
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
0 bbl/day (2008 est.)
country comparison to the world: 210
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
676 bbl/day (2008 est.)
country comparison to the world: 199
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
0 cu m (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 174
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
0 cu m (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 180
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
0 cu m (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 107
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
0 cu m (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 125
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
0 cu m (1 January 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 177
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
146,500 Mt (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 204
Back to Top
Communications ::Vanuatu
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
5,000 (2009)
country comparison to the world: 213
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
285,300 (2009)
country comparison to the world: 174
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
general assessment: NA
domestic: NA
international: country code - 678; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
1 state-owned TV station; multi-channel pay TV is available; state-owned Radio Vanuatu operates 2 radio stations; 2 privately-owned radio broadcasters; programming from multiple international broadcasters is available (2008)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
.vu
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
5,656 (2010)
country comparison to the world: 143
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
17,000 (2009)
country comparison to the world: 198
Back to Top
Transportation ::Vanuatu
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
31 (2012)
country comparison to the world: 113
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
total: 3
2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2012)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
total: 28
914 to 1,523 m: 5
under 914 m: 23 (2012)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
total: 1,070 km
country comparison to the world: 183
paved: 256 km
unpaved: 814 km (1999)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
total: 77
country comparison to the world: 58
by type: bulk carrier 38, cargo 8, chemical tanker 2, container 1, liquefied gas 2, passenger 1, refrigerated cargo 24, vehicle carrier 1
foreign-owned: 72 (Belgium 1, Canada 5, China 1, Greece 3, Japan 39, Norway 1, Poland 9, Russia 7, Singapore 2, Taiwan 1, UAE 1, US 2) (2010)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
Forari Bay, Luganville (Santo, Espiritu Santo), Port-Vila
Back to Top
Military ::Vanuatu
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
no regular military forces; Vanuatu Police Force (VPF), Vanuatu Mobile Force (VMF; includes Police Maritime Wing (PMW)) (2009)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
males age 16-49: 62,216 (2010 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
males age 16-49: 43,331
females age 16-49: 44,927 (2010 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
male: 2,323
female: 2,230 (2010 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
NA
Back to Top
Transnational Issues ::Vanuatu
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
Matthew and Hunter Islands east of New Caledonia claimed by Vanuatu and France
Back to Top
Expand All | collapse All
  The online Factbook is updated weekly. ISSN 1553-8133
For additional information on government leaders in selected foreign countries, go to World Leaders.