Vanuatu
Region
🌍 Oceania
Population
👥 321
Currency
💱 Vanuatu vatu
Languages
🗣️ Bislama, English, French
This mark means a fact is linked to a checked source. Hover or tap it to see the source. 36 of 141 facts on this page are sourced.
Official NameSource: REST Countries
Republic of Vanuatu
Continent
Oceania
DemonymSource: REST Countries
Ni-Vanuatu
Independence
July 30, 1980 (from France and the UK)
Top-Level Domain
.vu
Calling CodeSource: REST Countries
+678
Time ZoneSource: REST Countries
UTC+11:00
Capital CitySource: REST Countries
Port Vila
ISO Alpha-2
VU
ISO Alpha-3
VUT
UN Code
548
Geographic Coordinates
-16,167
Area (km²)Source: REST Countries
12,189#163 of 249
PopulationSource: REST Countries
321,409#181 of 247
Population Density (per km²)
26.28
Highest Point (m)
Mount Tabwemasana, 1,879 meters
Lowest Point (m)
Sea level (Pacific Ocean)
Land Use
Agricultural land: 26.5%; forest: 73.5% (2018 estimate)
Irrigated Land
20 sq km (2012)
Coastline Length
2,528 km
Climate
Tropical; moderated by southeast trade winds; cyclones possible from December to April.
Natural Resources
Manganese, hardwood forests, fish
Bordering CountriesSource: REST Countries
No land borders
Major Rivers
This island nation has no major rivers.
Major Lakes
This island nation has no major lakes.
Government Type
Parliamentary republic
Administrative Divisions
6 provinces
Legal System
Based on English common law, French civil law, and customary law.
Chief of State
President Nikenike Vurobaravu (since July 2022)
Head of Government
Prime Minister Ishmael Kalsakau (since November 2022)
Cabinet
Cabinet appointed by the Prime Minister.
Elections
President elected by an electoral college for a 5-year term; elections for Parliament held every 4 years.
Judicial Branch
Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, Magistrates' Courts, and Island Courts.
Legislative Branch
Unicameral Parliament with 52 members elected for 4-year terms.
Major Political Parties
Vanua'aku Pati, Union of Moderate Parties, National United Party
CurrencySource: REST Countries
Vanuatu vatu
GDP, Nominal (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
1.35#196 of 211
GDP, PPP (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP, PPP (current international $) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
1.52#193 of 201
GDP per Capita (US$)Source: World Bank: GDP per capita (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
4,038.74#148 of 211
GDP - Agriculture (%)Source: World Bank: Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added (% of GDP) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
26.63
GDP - Industry (%)Source: World Bank: Industry (including construction), value added (% of GDP) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
10.06
GDP - Services (%)Source: World Bank: Services, value added (% of GDP) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
56.77
Inflation Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
0.66#161 of 191
Labor Force (people)Source: World Bank: Labor force, total (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
120,833
Unemployment Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Unemployment, total (% of total labor force) (modeled ILO estimate) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
5.07#96 of 185
Public Debt (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Central government debt, total (% of GDP) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
67.93
Budget
Information on the current budget is subject to annual revisions and is available from the Vanuatu government.
Exports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Exports of goods and services (current US$) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
0.33#181 of 192
Imports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Imports of goods and services (current US$) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
0.62#182 of 192
Foreign Reserves
Information on foreign reserves can be found through financial institutions.
Currency Exchange
Currency exchange rates can be found online through various financial websites.
GDP by Sector
Agriculture: 20.3%, Industry: 14.6%, Services: 65.1% (2021 est.)
Major Industries
Tourism, copra, copra oil, cocoa, kava, beef, timber.
Major Export Partners
Australia, Japan, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Fiji (2021 est.)
Major Import Partners
Australia, Singapore, New Zealand, China, Fiji (2021 est.)
Society
Literacy Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
87.96#107 of 169
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Birth rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
27.7
Death Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Death rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
5
Net Migration Rate
Approximately -0.1 migrants per 1,000 population (2022 est.)
Median Age
Approximately 23.5 years (2020 est.)
Urban Population (%)Source: World Bank: Urban population (% of total population) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
22.32#206 of 214
Urbanization Rate
Approximately 1.9% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: Life expectancy at birth, total (years) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
71.7#139 of 214
HIV/AIDS Prevalence
Less than 0.1% (2021 est.)
Health Expenditures (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Current health expenditure (% of GDP) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
4.12
Ethnic Groups
Ni-Vanuatu 98.5%, other 1.5% (includes French, Australian, Vietnamese, and Chinese) (2009 est.)
Religions
Christian 82% (Presbyterian 27.9%, Anglican 13.1%, Roman Catholic 12.5%, Seventh-Day Adventist 12.2%, Church of Christ 4.7%, other 11.6%), other 16%, unspecified 2% (2009 est.)
LanguagesSource: REST Countries
Bislama, English, French
Education
Education System
Vanuatu's education system follows a structure of primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.
School Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: School life expectancy, primary to tertiary, both sexes (years) (2004)Checked September 29, 2026
10.6
Government Education Spending
Government expenditure on education is a significant portion of the national budget.
Primary Education Access
—
Secondary Education Access
—
Higher Education Access
—
Major Universities
The University of the South Pacific has a campus in Vanuatu.
Culture
Cultural Overview
Vanuatu boasts a rich Melanesian culture, with diverse traditions, languages, and customs across its islands.
National HolidaysSource: Nager.Date
- New Year's Day (2026-01-01)
- Father Walter Lini Day (2026-02-21)
- Custom Chief's Day (2026-03-05)
- Good Friday (2026-04-03)
- Easter Monday (2026-04-06)
- Labour Day (2026-05-01)
- Ascension Day (2026-05-14)
- Children's Day (2026-07-24)
- Independence Day (2026-07-30)
- Assumption Day (2026-08-15)
- Constitution Day (2026-10-05)
- National Unity Day (2026-11-29)
Popular Music
Popular music includes traditional Melanesian music, as well as reggae and contemporary styles.
Traditional Food
Traditional food includes dishes made with root crops (taro, yam), fruits, and seafood, often cooked in earth ovens.
Sports
Cricket, soccer, and volleyball are popular sports in Vanuatu.
Major Festivals
Major festivals include the Naghol Land Dive (land diving), and various cultural festivals showcasing dance, music, and art.
Famous People
Notable figures include politicians, athletes, and artists who represent Vanuatu internationally.
Cultural Heritage Sites
Vanuatu has various cultural heritage sites, reflecting its diverse traditions and history.
UNESCO Sites
Vanuatu does not have any UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Annual Tourist Visits
Information unavailable.
Tourism Overview
Tourism is a significant part of Vanuatu's economy, with a focus on natural beauty and cultural experiences.
Top Tourist Attractions
Volcanoes, beaches, coral reefs, and cultural villages.
Famous Cities
Port Vila (capital) and Luganville.
National Parks
Several national parks and marine protected areas.
Protected Areas
Significant areas are protected for conservation.
Best Time to Visit
—
Tourist Visa Info
Visa requirements vary depending on nationality; check with the Vanuatu Immigration Department.
Visa Requirements Overview
—
Travel Advisory
Exercise normal precautions; monitor local news.
Healthcare
Healthcare Quality
Information on healthcare quality is available from international healthcare assessments.
Medical Cost
Medical costs vary depending on the service and location.
Number of Hospitals
There are a number of hospitals and clinics throughout Vanuatu. Specific numbers vary.
Universal Healthcare
Vanuatu's healthcare system provides basic services, but access and quality can vary, particularly in rural areas.
Medical Services Overview
Medical services are available in urban areas, with limited access in rural regions. Evacuation services are available.
Emergency Medical Access
Emergency services are available, but access may be limited in remote areas.
Emergency & Safety
Emergency Number (Police)
The emergency number for the police is 111.
Emergency Number (Ambulance)
The emergency number for ambulance services is 111.
Emergency Number (Fire)
The emergency number for fire services is 111.
Crime Rate
Crime rates are generally low, but petty theft can occur, particularly in tourist areas.
Safety Index
Vanuatu generally has a moderate safety index, with a relatively low risk of violent crime.
Military Expenditure
Vanuatu has no military expenditure.
Emergency Services Overview
Emergency services are available, but response times may vary depending on location and resources.
Safety Overview
—
Military Branches
Vanuatu does not maintain a standing military.
Infrastructure
Electricity Access
Electricity access is improving, but remains limited in some rural areas.
Water Access
Access to clean water is available, but infrastructure varies by location.
Sanitation Access
Sanitation facilities vary; efforts are underway to improve access.
Railways
Vanuatu has no railways.
Roadways
Roads vary in quality, with main roads generally paved and others unpaved.
Transportation System
Transportation primarily relies on domestic flights, boats, and roadways connecting the islands.
AirportsSource: OurAirports
Bauerfield International Airport (VLI), Gaua Island Airport (ZGU), Santo Pekoa International Airport (SON), Whitegrass Airport (TAH)
Ports
Port Vila and Luganville serve as major ports for international trade and domestic shipping.
Public Transit
Public transportation includes buses and taxis, particularly in urban areas.
Technology & Communication
Internet Penetration (%)Source: World Bank: Individuals using the Internet (% of population) (2015)Checked September 29, 2026
22.35#188 of 211
Mobile Subscriptions (per 100)
Information unavailable.
Tech Startups
Limited information available; startup ecosystem is developing.
Innovation Index
Not readily available.
ICT Development Index
Information unavailable.
TV Broadcast Stations
Limited number of stations.
Radio Broadcast Stations
Several radio stations operating.
Plug Type & Voltage
—
CO2 Emissions (t per capita)Source: World Bank: Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions excluding LULUCF per capita (t CO2e/capita) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
0.87#144 of 202
Air Quality Index
Data is limited; generally good.
Water Pollution Level
Generally low, but localized issues exist.
Renewable Energy Usage
Growing, primarily solar and hydro.
Environmental Issues
Deforestation, climate change impacts, coastal erosion, and waste management.
Natural Hazards
Cyclones, volcanoes, earthquakes, and tsunamis.
Waste Management
Inadequate, with limited infrastructure.
Environmental Agreements
Part of various international agreements.
UN MembershipSource: REST Countries
Yes
Diplomatic Missions
Limited diplomatic presence.
International OrganizationsSource: REST Countries
Commonwealth
Major Treaties
Part of major international treaties.
Visa-Free Countries
Visa-free access to many countries.