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Location
Southwest Pacific.
Time
GMT + 11.
Area
12,190 sq km (4,707 sq miles).
Population
222,000 (UN estimate 2005).
Population Density
18.2 per sq km.
Capital
Port-Vila (Island of Efaté). Population: 34,000 (UN estimate 2003).
Geography
Vanuatu, formerly called the New Hebrides, forms an incomplete double chain of islands stretching north to southeast for some 900km (560 miles). They are situated approximately 2,250km (1,407 miles) northeast of Sydney, Australia, and 800km (500 miles) west of Fiji. Together with the Banks and Torres islands, the chains comprise about 40 mountainous islands and 40 islets and rocks. The islands are volcanic in origin and there are five active volcanoes. The Ambrym and Lopevi volcanoes are permanently active and highly dangerous. Lopevi was extinct for many years but became active 50 years ago. Further to the south, on the island of Tanna, is Yasur, cited as the most accessible active volcano in the world and a major tourist attraction. Geophysical activity is under constant monitoring by the French scientific organisation, IRD (Institut de recherche pour le développement). Most of the islands are densely forested and mountainous with narrow bands of cultivated land along the coasts.
Government
Republic. Gained independence from the UK/France in 1980.
Head of State
President Kalkot Mataskelekele since 2004.
Head of Government
Prime Minister Ham Lini since 2004.
Recent History
Serge Vohor, the third-time prime minister, was ousted on a vote of no confidence in December 2004, following a controversial move on Vohor's part to attempt to switch diplomatic recognition from China to Taiwan without even first (reputedly) consulting his ministers. He was quickly replaced by Ham Lini, who swiftly revoked the agreements with Taiwan that had been signed. Kalkot Mataskelekele's post as president has been, by comparison, highly stable. However, parties in Vanuatu have been subject to splits and factional disputes and these have dogged Vanuatu's politics throughout the last decade.
Language
English and French are the official languages. Bislama (Pidgin English), the most widely used day-to-day language, is a Melanesian mixture of French and English. French and English are widely spoken and both English and French names exist for all towns. There are more than 115 local dialects.
Religion
Mostly Christian, including Presbyterian, Anglican, Roman Catholic and several other denominations.
Electricity
240 volts AC. Australian three-pin plugs are in use.
Social Conventions
Informal wear is suitable for most occasions. Some establishments appreciate men wearing long trousers in the evenings. Life goes at its own pace and while modern influences can be seen in the main centres, in the hill villages and outlying islands, age-old customs continue. Those hiking or exploring must be aware that Vanuatu has strict and sensitive land ownership regulations.
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