last edited Dec 11, 2019
Overview of Vanuatu
Location Map of Vanuatu
Vanuatu
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Quick Overview
Key Facts
- Type of place: country.
- Location: over 500 km northeast of the coasts of New Caledonia.
- Latitude/longitude: 17°45' S, 168°18'E.
- Local time:
- Capital: Port Vila
- Nature of the state: parliamentary republic.
- Official languages: French, English, and Bislama (plus around a hundred vernacular languages).
- Currency: Vatu.
- Population: 288,037 inhabitants (2018).
- Area: 12,189 km².
- Density: 24 inhabitants/km².
- Highest point: Mount Tabwemasana (1,877 m) on Espiritu Santo Island.
- Lowest point: sea level.
- Coastline:
- Driving: on the right.
Tourism
The archipelago is a nature-adventure and cultural destination. The highlights include volcanoes, forests, waterfalls, stunning beaches, and—above all—strong and vibrant local traditions that sometimes seem to transport visitors to another era. Each year, the country attracts around 100,000 visitors (116,000 in 2018).
Travel Essentials
- Destination: for beginner or slightly experienced travelers.
- By air: France–Port Vila.
- Entry requirements: passport valid for at least 6 months after the planned departure date + onward or return ticket + visa on arrival.
- Currency to bring:
- Exchange rate:
- Daily "backpacker" budget:
- Best for accommodation:
- Best for getting around:
- Risks:
- Best time for climate/crowds/prices:
- Interests (out of ): Nature ; Adventure ; Culture ; Relaxation/Holidays /
Useful Addresses
Socio-Economic Statistics
- "Quality of life": 138/188 (rank in 2018)
- GDP per capita: $2,700 (2017)
- Average monthly income: ()
- Inflation: +3.1% (2017)
- "Official" unemployment: ()
- Population below the poverty line: ()
- Life expectancy: 74 years (2018)
- Migration rate per 1,000 inhabitants: -1.4 (2017)
- Population growth: +1.81% (2018)
- Literacy rate: 85.2% (2015)
- Urban population: 25.3% (2018)
- Press freedom: ()
- Political regime: ()
Sources: World Bank, Human Development Indicators, RSF, The Economist, The World Factbook