2011 Edition

Background

Multiple waves of colonizers, each speaking a distinct language, migrated to the New Hebrides in the millennia preceding European exploration in the 18th century. This settlement pattern accounts for the complex linguistic diversity found on the archipelago to this day. The British and French, who settled the New Hebrides in the 19th century, agreed in 1906 to an Anglo-French Condominium, which administered the islands until independence in 1980, when the new name of Vanuatu was adopted.

Area

12,189 sq km 12,189 sq km 0 sq km includes more than 80 islands, about 65 of which are inhabited

total

12,189 sq km

water

0 sq km

Area - comparative

slightly larger than Connecticut

Climate

tropical; moderated by southeast trade winds from May to October; moderate rainfall from November to April; may be affected by cyclones from December to April

Coastline

2,528 km

Elevation extremes

Pacific Ocean 0 m Tabwemasana 1,877 m

highest point

Tabwemasana 1,877 m

lowest point

Pacific Ocean 0 m

Environment - current issues

most of the population does not have access to a reliable supply of potable water; deforestation

Environment - international agreements

Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 94 none of the selected agreements

party to

Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 94

signed, but not ratified

none of the selected agreements

Geographic coordinates

16 00 S, 167 00 E

Geography - note

a Y-shaped chain of four main islands and 80 smaller islands; several of the islands have active volcanoes

Irrigated land

NA

Land boundaries

0 km

Land use

1.64% 6.97% 91.39% (2005)

arable land

1.64%

other

91.39% (2005)

permanent crops

6.97%

Location

Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to Australia

Map references

Oceania

Maritime claims

measured from claimed archipelagic baselines 12 nm 24 nm 200 nm 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

contiguous zone

24 nm

continental shelf

200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

exclusive economic zone

200 nm

territorial sea

12 nm

Natural hazards

tropical cyclones or typhoons (January to April); volcanic eruption on Aoba (Ambae) island began on 27 November 2005, volcanism also causes minor earthquakes; tsunamis Vanuatu experiences significant volcanic activity, with many volcanoes erupting in recent years; Yasur (elev. 361 m), one of the world's most active volcanoes, has experienced continuous activity in recent centuries; other historically active volcanoes include, Aoba, Ambrym, Epi, Gaua, Kuwae, Lopevi, Suretamatai, and Traitor's Head

volcanism

Vanuatu experiences significant volcanic activity, with many volcanoes erupting in recent years; Yasur (elev. 361 m), one of the world's most active volcanoes, has experienced continuous activity in recent centuries; other historically active volcanoes include, Aoba, Ambrym, Epi, Gaua, Kuwae, Lopevi, Suretamatai, and Traitor's Head

Natural resources

manganese, hardwood forests, fish

Terrain

mostly mountainous islands of volcanic origin; narrow coastal plains

Age structure

29.6% (male 33,968/female 32,550) 66.1% (male 75,559/female 72,919) 4.3% (male 4,862/female 4,706) (2011 est.)

0-14 years

29.6% (male 33,968/female 32,550)

15-64 years

66.1% (male 75,559/female 72,919)

65 years and over

4.3% (male 4,862/female 4,706) (2011 est.)

Birth rate

20.86 births/1,000 population (2011 est.)

Death rate

7.43 deaths/1,000 population (July 2011 est.)

Drinking water source

urban: 96% of population rural: 79% of population total: 83% of population urban: 4% of population rural: 21% of population total: 17% of population (2008)

rural

21% of population

total

17% of population (2008)

urban

4% of population

Education expenditures

4.8% of GDP (2009)

Ethnic groups

Ni-Vanuatu 98.5%, other 1.5% (1999 Census)

Health expenditures

4% of GDP (2009)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

NA

Hospital bed density

1.69 beds/1,000 population (2008)

Infant mortality rate

46.85 deaths/1,000 live births 49.3 deaths/1,000 live births 44.28 deaths/1,000 live births (2011 est.)

female

44.28 deaths/1,000 live births (2011 est.)

total

46.85 deaths/1,000 live births

Languages

local languages (more than 100) 72.6%, pidgin (known as Bislama or Bichelama) 23.1%, English (official) 1.9%, French (official) 1.4%, other 0.3%, unspecified 0.7% (1999 Census)

Life expectancy at birth

64.7 years 63.04 years 66.44 years (2011 est.)

female

66.44 years (2011 est.)

total population

64.7 years

Literacy

age 15 and over can read and write 74% NA NA (1999 census)

definition

age 15 and over can read and write

female

NA (1999 census)

male

NA

total population

74%

Median age

24.9 years 24.9 years 25 years (2011 est.)

female

25 years (2011 est.)

male

24.9 years

total

24.9 years

Nationality

Ni-Vanuatu (singular and plural) Ni-Vanuatu

adjective

Ni-Vanuatu

noun

Ni-Vanuatu (singular and plural)

Net migration rate

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2011 est.)

Physicians density

0.116 physicians/1,000 population (2008)

Population

224,564 (July 2011 est.)

Population growth rate

1.343% (2011 est.)

Religions

Protestant 55.6% (Presbyterian 31.4%, Anglican 13.4%, Seventh-Day Adventist 10.8%), Roman Catholic 13.1%, other Christian 13.8%, indigenous beliefs 5.6% (including Jon Frum cargo cult), other 9.6%, none 1%, unspecified 1.3% (1999 Census)

Sanitation facility access

urban: 66% of population rural: 48% of population total: 52% of population urban: 34% of population rural: 52% of population total: 48% of population (2008)

rural

52% of population

total

48% of population (2008)

urban

34% of population

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

10 years 11 years 10 years (2004)

female

10 years (2004)

male

11 years

total

10 years

Sex ratio

1.05 male(s)/female 1.04 male(s)/female 1.04 male(s)/female 1.05 male(s)/female 1.04 male(s)/female (2011 est.)

15-64 years

1.04 male(s)/female

65 years and over

1.05 male(s)/female

at birth

1.05 male(s)/female

total population

1.04 male(s)/female (2011 est.)

under 15 years

1.04 male(s)/female

Total fertility rate

2.39 children born/woman (2011 est.)

Urbanization

26% of total population (2010) 4.2% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

rate of urbanization

4.2% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

urban population

26% of total population (2010)

Administrative divisions

6 provinces; Malampa, Penama, Sanma, Shefa, Tafea, Torba

Capital

Port-Vila (on Efate) 17 44 S, 168 19 E UTC+11 (16 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

geographic coordinates

17 44 S, 168 19 E

name

Port-Vila (on Efate)

time difference

UTC+11 (16 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Constitution

30 July 1980

Country name

Republic of Vanuatu Vanuatu Ripablik blong Vanuatu Vanuatu New Hebrides

conventional long form

Republic of Vanuatu

conventional short form

Vanuatu

former

New Hebrides

local long form

Ripablik blong Vanuatu

local short form

Vanuatu

Diplomatic representation from the US

the US does not have an embassy in Vanuatu; the US ambassador to Papua New Guinea is accredited to Vanuatu

Diplomatic representation in the US

Vanuatu does not have an embassy in the US; it does, however, have a Permanent Mission to the UN

Executive branch

President Iolu Johnson ABBIL (since 3 September 2009) Prime Minister Sato KILMAN (since 26 June 2011) Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister, responsible to parliament president elected for a five-year term by an electoral college consisting of parliament and the presidents of the regional councils; election for president last held on 2 September 2009 (next to be held in 2014); following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition usually elected prime minister by parliament from among its members; election for prime minister last held on 26 June 2011 following a supreme court decision nullifying KILMAN's December 2010 election; KILMAN defeated Vohor SERGE 29 to 23 (next to be held following general elections in 2012) Iolu Johnson ABBIL elected president, with 41 votes out of 58, on the third ballot on 2 September 2009

cabinet

Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister, responsible to parliament

chief of state

President Iolu Johnson ABBIL (since 3 September 2009)

election results

Iolu Johnson ABBIL elected president, with 41 votes out of 58, on the third ballot on 2 September 2009

elections

president elected for a five-year term by an electoral college consisting of parliament and the presidents of the regional councils; election for president last held on 2 September 2009 (next to be held in 2014); following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition usually elected prime minister by parliament from among its members; election for prime minister last held on 26 June 2011 following a supreme court decision nullifying KILMAN's December 2010 election; KILMAN defeated Vohor SERGE 29 to 23 (next to be held following general elections in 2012)

head of government

Prime Minister Sato KILMAN (since 26 June 2011)

Flag description

two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and green with a black isosceles triangle (based on the hoist side) all separated by a black-edged yellow stripe in the shape of a horizontal Y (the two points of the Y face the hoist side and enclose the triangle); centered in the triangle is a boar's tusk encircling two crossed namele fern fronds, all in yellow; red represents the blood of boars and men, green the richness of the islands, and black the ni-Vanuatu people; the yellow Y-shape - which reflects the pattern of the islands in the Pacific Ocean - symbolizes the light of the Gospel spreading through the islands; the boar's tusk is a symbol of prosperity frequently worn as a pendant on the islands; the fern fronds represent peace

Government type

parliamentary republic

Independence

30 July 1980 (from France and the UK)

International law organization participation

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

International organization participation

ACP, ADB, AOSIS, C, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, IOC, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OAS (observer), OIF, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Judicial branch

Supreme Court (chief justice is appointed by the president after consultation with the prime minister and the leader of the opposition, three other justices are appointed by the president on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission)

Legal system

mixed legal system of English common law, French law, and customary law

Legislative branch

unicameral Parliament (52 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) last held on 2 September 2008 (next to be held in 2012) percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - VP 11, NUP 8, UMP 7, VRP 7, PPP 4, GC 2, MPP 1, NA 1, NAG 1, PAP 1, Shepherds Alliance 1, VFFP 1, VLP 1, VNP 1, VPRFP 1, and independent 4; note - political party associations are fluid the National Council of Chiefs advises on matters of culture and language

election results

percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - VP 11, NUP 8, UMP 7, VRP 7, PPP 4, GC 2, MPP 1, NA 1, NAG 1, PAP 1, Shepherds Alliance 1, VFFP 1, VLP 1, VNP 1, VPRFP 1, and independent 4; note - political party associations are fluid

elections

last held on 2 September 2008 (next to be held in 2012)

National anthem

"Yumi, Yumi, Yumi" (We, We, We) Francois Vincent AYSSAV adopted 1980, the anthem is written in Bislama, a Creole language that mixes Pidgin English and French

lyrics/music

Francois Vincent AYSSAV

name

"Yumi, Yumi, Yumi" (We, We, We)

National holiday

Independence Day, 30 July (1980)

National symbol(s)

boar's tusk

Political parties and leaders

Greens Confederation or GC [Moana CARCASSES]; Jon Frum Movement or JF [Song KEASPAI]; Melanesian Progressive Party or MPP [Barak SOPE]; Nagriamel movement or NAG [Havo MOLI]; Namangi Aute or NA [Paul TELUKLUK]; National United Party or NUP [Ham LINI]; People's Action Party or PAP [Peter VUTA]; People's Progressive Party or PPP [Sato KILMAN]; Shepherds Alliance Party [leader NA]; Union of Moderate Parties or UMP [Serge VOHOR]; Vanua'aku Pati (Our Land Party) or VP [Edward NATAPEI]; Vanuatu Family First Party or VFFP [Eta RORI]; Vanuatu Labor Party or VLP [Joshua KALSAKAU]; Vanuatu National Party or VNP [Issac HAMARILIU]; Vanuatu Republican Farmers Party or VPRFP [Jean RAVOU]; Vanuatu Republican Party or VRP [Maxime Carlot KORMAN]

Political pressure groups and leaders

NA

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal

Agriculture - products

copra, coconuts, cocoa, coffee, taro, yams, fruits, vegetables; beef; fish

Budget

$78.7 million $72.23 million (2005 est.)

expenditures

$72.23 million (2005 est.)

revenues

$78.7 million

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)

0.9% of GDP (2005 est.)

Central bank discount rate

20% (31 December 2010 est.) 6% (31 December 2009 est.)

Commercial bank prime lending rate

5.5% (31 December 2010 est.) 5.5% (31 December 2009 est.)

Current account balance

-$60 million (2007 est.)

Debt - external

$81.2 million (2004)

Economy - overview

This South Pacific island economy is based primarily on small-scale agriculture, which provides a living for about two-thirds of the population. Fishing, offshore financial services, and tourism, with nearly 197,000 visitors in 2008, 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. Economic development is hindered by dependence on relatively few commodity exports, vulnerability to natural disasters, and long distances from main markets and between constituent islands. In response to foreign concerns, the government has promised to tighten regulation of its offshore financial center. In mid-2002, the government stepped up efforts to boost tourism through improved air connections, resort development, and cruise ship facilities. Agriculture, especially livestock farming, is a second target for growth. Australia and New Zealand are the main suppliers of tourists and foreign aid.

Electricity - consumption

39.99 million kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - exports

0 kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - imports

0 kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - production

43 million kWh (2008 est.)

Exchange rates

vatu (VUV) per US dollar - 97.93 (2009) NA (2007) 111.93 (2006) NA (2005) 111.79 (2004)

Exports

$40 million (2006)

Exports - commodities

copra, beef, cocoa, timber, kava, coffee

Exports - partners

Thailand 57.4%, Japan 24.8% (2010)

GDP - composition by sector

21.3% 10.4% 68.3% (2010 est.)

agriculture

21.3%

industry

10.4%

services

68.3% (2010 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$5,100 (2010 est.) $5,100 (2009 est.) $5,000 (2008 est.) data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - real growth rate

2.2% (2010 est.) 3.5% (2009 est.) 6.2% (2008 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$693 million (2010 est.)

GDP (purchasing power parity)

$1.137 billion (2010 est.) $1.113 billion (2009 est.) $1.075 billion (2008 est.) data are in 2010 US dollars

Household income or consumption by percentage share

NA% NA%

highest 10%

NA%

lowest 10%

NA%

Imports

$156 million (2006)

Imports - commodities

machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, fuels

Imports - partners

Australia 18.4%, Singapore 17.6%, Japan 12.9%, NZ 8.6%, Fiji 8.2%, China 6.2%, US 5.2%, New Caledonia 4.6% (2010)

Industries

food and fish freezing, wood processing, meat canning

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

2.8% (2010 est.) 4.2% (2009 est.)

Investment (gross fixed)

21.9% of GDP (2010 est.)

Labor force

115,900 (2007)

Labor force - by occupation

65% 5% 30% (2000 est.)

agriculture

65%

industry

5%

services

30% (2000 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares

$NA

Natural gas - consumption

0 cu m (2009 est.)

Natural gas - exports

0 cu m (2009 est.)

Natural gas - imports

0 cu m (2009 est.)

Natural gas - production

0 cu m (2009 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves

0 cu m (1 January 2011 est.)

Oil - consumption

1,000 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Oil - exports

0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Oil - imports

761 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Oil - production

0 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Oil - proved reserves

0 bbl (1 January 2011 est.)

Population below poverty line

NA%

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold

$161.4 million (2003) $148.6 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of broad money

$607.1 million (31 December 2010 est.) $614.2 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit

$439.1 million (31 December 2010 est.) $378.8 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of narrow money

$149.2 million (31 December 2010 est.) $117.8 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Taxes and other revenues

11.4% of GDP (2005 est.)

Unemployment rate

1.7% (1999)

Broadcast media

1 state-owned television station; multi-channel pay TV is available; state-owned Radio Vanuatu operates 2 radio stations; 2 privately-owned radio broadcasters; programming from multiple international broadcasters is accessible (2008)

Internet country code

.vu

Internet hosts

1,347 (2010)

Internet users

17,000 (2009)

Telephone system

NA NA country code - 678; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

domestic

NA

general assessment

NA

international

country code - 678; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

Telephones - main lines in use

5,000 (2010)

Telephones - mobile cellular

285,300 (2010)

Airports

31 (2010)

Airports - with paved runways

1 (2010)

1,524 to 2,437 m

1

2,438 to 3,047 m

1

914 to 1,523 m

1 (2010)

total

3

Airports - with unpaved runways

23 (2010)

914 to 1,523 m

5

total

28

under 914 m

23 (2010)

Merchant marine

bulk carrier 35, cargo 5, container 1, liquefied gas 2, passenger 2, refrigerated cargo 26, vehicle carrier 1 70 (Australia 2, Belgium 1, Canada 5, Greece 4, Japan 44, Monaco 1, Norway 1, Poland 7, Russia 1, UAE 1, Ukraine 3) (2010)

foreign-owned

70 (Australia 2, Belgium 1, Canada 5, Greece 4, Japan 44, Monaco 1, Norway 1, Poland 7, Russia 1, UAE 1, Ukraine 3) (2010)

total

72

Ports and terminals

Forari Bay, Luganville (Santo, Espiritu Santo), Port-Vila

Roadways

1,070 km 256 km 814 km (2000)

total

1,070 km

unpaved

814 km (2000)

Manpower available for military service

62,216 (2010 est.)

males age 16-49

62,216 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service

43,331 44,927 (2010 est.)

females age 16-49

44,927 (2010 est.)

males age 16-49

43,331

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually

2,323 2,230 (2010 est.)

female

2,230 (2010 est.)

male

2,323

Military branches

no regular military forces; Vanuatu Police Force (VPF), Vanuatu Mobile Force (VMF; includes Police Maritime Wing (PMW)) (2009)

Military expenditures

NA

Disputes - international

Matthew and Hunter Islands east of New Caledonia claimed by Vanuatu and France