- Population:
- 328,000
- Religion:
- Christianity
Vanuatu was inhabited by Melanesian peoples before European contact in the 17th century. It was jointly administered by France and Britain until gaining independence in 1980. Vanuatu’s economy relies on agriculture, tourism, and fishing, and it is known for its vulnerability to natural disasters and climate change.
Vanuatu, officially the Republic of Vanuatu, is an island country located in the South Pacific Ocean. It consists of approximately 83 small islands, with about 65 of them inhabited, stretching over 1,300 kilometers. The total land area is roughly 12,189 square kilometers. As of 2023, Vanuatu has a population of approximately 335,908 people. The capital and largest city is Port Vila. The official languages are Bislama, English, and French. Vanuatu operates as a unitary parliamentary republic. The economy is primarily based on agriculture, tourism, offshore financial services, and fishing. Vanuatu is known for its cultural diversity, traditional village life, and active volcanoes. The country is a member of international organizations such as the United Nations, the Commonwealth of Nations, and the Pacific Islands Forum.