Full Name  Republic of Vanuatu

Independent Day  30 July

Head of State  President Kelekele Kalkot Matas

Languages  Bislama (official), French (official), English (official)

Religion  Christian (84%), animist (16%)

Currency  Vatu (VT)

Electricity  230V 50HzHz

Electric Plug Details  Three Pin (Flat)

The Vanuatu National Flag
　　The Pig's tusk and the Namele leaf represent “Prosperity” and “Peace” respectively. Yellow is a bright colour of radiance. It symbolises the light of Christ which shines over the entire Republic of Vanuatu, the letter "Y".

　　The designer of the National Flag of the Republic of Vanuatu, Malon Kalontas, had learned that Vanuatu was shaped as a "Y" during schooling. He wondered what colours might have a symbolic significance for his compatriots, as citizens of a newly independent country. So Malon drew a "Y" and played around with different colours. He selected the following colours as having a special meaning for Vanuatu:

1. Black: for Melanesia and the Melanesian race
2. Red: for unity through blood
3. Green: for agriculture, the basis of Vanuatu's economy
4. Yellow: for Christianity

The Coat OfArms
The Coat of Arms has incorporated the Vanuatu Emblem, which is the pig's tusk and leaf namele in the background.
Hon. Walter Hayde Lini (is the statue) who fought for the country to become Independent and was the first Prime Minister. He declared on Independence Day to all the people that "Long God Yumi Stanap" (In God we Stand) to be Vanuatu's motto &endash; meaning from 30th July 1980 (the Country's Independence Day) We must all stand together as a nation.

Vanuatu is only 2.5 hours flying time North East of Brisbane and 3.5 hours from Sydney, Australia. It's a little over 2 hours from Auckland, New Zealand.

Vanuatu is an archipelago of 83 islands, of which two — Matthew and Hunter — are also claimed by the French overseas department of New Caledonia. Of all the 83 islands, 14 have surface areas of more than 100 square kilometers, from largest to smallest: Espiritu Santo (3956 km), Malakula (2041 km), Efaté (900 km), Erromango (888 km), Ambrym (678 km), Tanna (555 km), Pentecote (491 km), Epi (445 km), Ambae or Aoba (402 km), Vanua Lava (334 km), Santa Maria (328 km), Maéwo (304 km), Malo (180 km) and Anatom or Aneityum (159 km). The total land area is approximately 12,200 square kilometers and the territorial waters cover 450,000 square kilometers.

1994, eleven Local Government Councils of Vanuatu were changed in to six provinces: into, SANMA, ENAMA, MALAMPA, SHEFA, TAFEA. Each province has its own distinctive physical characteristics, culture and resources, all of which make Vanuatu what it is, unique. Each province has its own range of powers to enable their governing bodies to administer them freely, under the central government’s supervision and subject to the Judiciary, in compliance with the Constitution and the laws of the Republic.

Climate and Geography
The climate varies considerably from tropical to subtropical according to exposure to trade winds and elevation. The north is wetter and more humid than the south. The average midday temperature in Port Vila is 29 degrees C. in summer and 25 degrees C. in winter. Rainfall is about 235 centimeters (90 inches) annually. Both the climate and arable soils are very conducive to the development of land and livestock husbandry.
Vanuatu is recognized as a distinct terrestrial ecoregion, known as the Vanuatu rain forests. Vanuatu is part of the Australasia ecozone, which also includes neighboring New Caledonia and the Solomon Islands, as well as Australia, New Guinea, and New Zealand.

Most of the islands are mountainous and of volcanic origin, and have a tropical or sub-tropical climate. The nation's largest towns are the capital Port Vila, which is situated on Efate, and Luganville, on Espiritu Santo. The highest point in Vanuatu is Mount Tabwemasana, at 1879 m (6158 ft), on the island of Espiritu Santo. There are several active volcanoes in Vanuatu, including Yasur on the island of Tanna, one of the world’s most accesible volcanoes, as well as several underwater ones.

Population
The total population of Vanuatu is estimated to be 205,754 people（estimated in July, 2005）. About 95% of the population is indigenous known as "Ni-Vanuatu". The other segment of the population includes people of different nationalities, such as Australians, New Zealanders, Europeans, Asians and other Pacific Islanders. Over 20% live in the two large cities of Port Vila and Luganville. More than 30,000 people live in the capital city of Port Vila. A few of the islands are Polynesian outliers. About 2,000 Ni-Vanuatu live and work on New Caledonia.

Politics
The Republic of Vanuatu is an independent parliamentary democracy, with 52 members of Parliament, for which general elections are held every 4 years. The most recent national election was held in July 2004 where the Union of Moderate Parties (UMP), the National United Party (NUP) and the Green Confederation Party (GCP) coalition was elected.

The head of state is the President of the Republic, who is elected for a period of five years by an electoral college consisting of Members of Parliament and the Presidents of the Provincial Councils. The new President of the Republic of Vanuatu was elected in August 2004.

The Prime Minister and the 12 co-members of the council of ministers oversee the administration of Vanuatu's 13 government ministries.

The Constitution provides for executive and legislative arms of government, and the judiciary. The President is Vanuatu's Head of State. The judiciary consists of the Supreme Court with a Chief Justice and a Magistrates Court.

Economy
The economy is based primarily on subsistence or small-scale agriculture, which provides a living for 65% of the population. Fishing, offshore financial services, and tourism (with about 60,000 visitors in 2005), 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 and a 12.5 percent Value Added Tax (VAT) on goods and services.

Language and Education
The people speak over 100 indigenous languages. English, French and Bislama are the official languages. Business is conducted mainly in English, although there are many French companies who conduct their business in both French and English.

The principal languages of education are English and French, and with the current revised education policies, vernacular is being introduced in some schools in rural areas.

The current dual education system has its own problems and difficulties, but it gives a country a strong competitive advantage over other Pacific Island States, since people can speak and understand both English and French. In response to business needs within communities in Vanuatu, Chinese and Japanese are becoming more popular.

The University of the South Pacific has a campus in Port Vila with currently 930 students enrolled from around the pacific.

Health and Safety
Vanuatu as a Christian country with high believes is one of the safest and peaceful in the South Pacific. The population is renowned to be the friendliest in the region with little if not no resentment towards expatriates based in the country. The streets in town are safe to walk at night and the island communities welcome guests with open arms. The friendly nature of Ni-Vanuatu is one of the countries greatest assets.

Whilst Malaria is rare in Port Vila and Luganville .It is ,however, advisable to take anti-malarial medicines whilst visiting the remoter outer islands.

Basic medical services are available in most populated areas.

In Port Vila, the Central hospital is manned by qualified doctors, surgeons and specialists. The city also has qualified dentists and general medical practitioners available 24 hours.

Transportation:
Driving is on the right-hand side of the road. Cars and vans are available for hire. Metered taxis and buses are plentiful and relatively inexpensive. Inter-island travel is mainly by air—inter-island boats taking deck passengers are irregular. Cruise ships regularly call in at Port Vila.

Food
Dining is a highlight of Vanuatu. Fresh local fish, beef, fruit and vegetables are in plentiful supply. Top class restaurants offer international, Melanesian, French, Polynesian, Indian, Chinese, Thai-Vietnamese, English and Japanese specialties.

Vanuatu Public Holidays