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Vanuatu
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Customs and Culture
Customs and Culture
Cultural Attributes
Some of the cultural attributes of the people that live in Vanuatu include:
Community-oriented: The people of Vanuatu place a high value on community and social harmony. They have a strong sense of belonging to their local communities and work together to achieve common goals.
Respect for traditional customs: Vanuatu's indigenous people have a deep respect for their traditional customs and practices. They often incorporate traditional beliefs and rituals into their daily lives and celebrations.
Connection to land and nature: Many people in Vanuatu have a deep connection to the land and nature. They rely on the natural environment for food, medicine, and building materials, and they often incorporate nature into their spiritual beliefs and practices.
Hospitality: The people of Vanuatu are known for their hospitality and welcoming nature. They often invite visitors into their homes and communities and offer them food, drink, and friendship.
Artistic expression: The people of Vanuatu have a rich tradition of artistic expression, including music, dance, and visual arts. They often use art as a means of storytelling and preserving their cultural heritage.
Archipelago of a Thousand Voices
Greetings, Gestures & Visiting
Namele leaves are a sign of peace as found on the Vanuatu flag however If two leaves are crossed in front of a business or on land it is a sign of dispute and not to enter. On Ambrym island, women are not allowed to look at the Fanla's chief house or to enter the area. Shells on the roof of the house remind women of the taboo place.
Western style of clothing is worn in urban areas. In rural areas women may wear a fiber skirt without a blouse or top. Men may wear a traditional loin cloth or a pair of shorts and t-shirt.
Diet
Taro root and yams are staple foods. In many rural areas food is prepared without electricity. Urban people have a large selection of imported foods.
Family
Family roles vary depending upon the area. In some villages the men are in charge in others the women are in charge. In some rural areas the marriage partner is determined by family and descent. The marriage is usually accompanied by gifts being exchanged between the groom and the brides family.
Recreation
A lack of electricity in many rural areas limits the recreational activities. Socializing and drinking Kava is common for men.
Holidays
Independence Day
7/30Independence Day
Dates of Interest
- July 30th
What are the eating customs in Vanuatu?
Taro root and yams are staple foods, though in many rural areas food is prepared without electricity, while urban people have a large selection of imported foods.
Good to know
- Taro root and yams are staple foods
- Rural cooking is often done without electricity
- Urban areas offer many imported foods
How should I dress in Vanuatu?
Western-style clothing is worn in urban areas, while rural dress is more traditional.
Good to know
- Western clothing is common in urban areas
- In rural areas women may wear a fiber skirt without a top
- Men may wear a traditional loin cloth or shorts and a t-shirt
What gestures should I know about in Vanuatu?
Namele leaves signal peace, but crossed leaves indicate a dispute and a warning not to enter, and some places are taboo to women.
Don’t
- Don't enter land or a business where two Namele leaves are crossed, as it signals a dispute
- On Ambrym island, women should not look at or enter the area of the Fanla chief's house
Good to know
- Namele leaves are a sign of peace and appear on the Vanuatu flag
- Shells on a house roof remind women of a taboo place
What are families like in Vanuatu?
Family roles vary by area, with men in charge in some villages and women in others, and some marriages are arranged by family and descent.
Good to know
- In some villages men lead, in others women lead
- In some rural areas marriage partners are determined by family and descent
- Marriages are usually accompanied by gifts exchanged between the groom and the bride's family
What do people do for recreation in Vanuatu?
A lack of electricity in many rural areas limits recreational activities, and socializing over Kava is common for men.
Good to know
- Socializing and drinking Kava is common among men
- Recreation is limited in rural areas without electricity
What should I know about the culture before visiting Vanuatu?
Ni-Vanuatu are community-oriented and hospitable, with a deep respect for traditional customs and a strong connection to land and nature.
Good to know
- Community and social harmony are highly valued
- Hospitality is common, with visitors often welcomed with food, drink, and friendship
- Traditional customs and rituals are woven into daily life
- Music, dance, and visual arts are important forms of cultural expression
Last updated: 2026-07-12 · Sources: CountryReports
Photos of Vanuatu
Photos of Vanuatu
Travel and Tourism
Travel and Tourism
- Travel Alert Status
- Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions
- Currency
- vatu (VUV)
- Time Difference
- UTC+11 (16 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
- 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
- Airports
- 30
Read the full travel guide — health, safety, vaccinations, disease risk, sanitation, and transit details.
View full travel guideRecipes
Recipes
History
History
Historical Eras
Austronesian Settlement
2000 BCE – 1606
Austronesian-speaking peoples arrived in the islands approximately 4,000 years ago, establishing the Melanesian cultures that would define the archipelago. Pottery fragments dated to 1300–1100 BCE attest to early settlement. These communities developed diverse languages and customs across the islands, with the population reaching significant levels before European contact introduced disease and disruption.
European Contact
1606 – 1865
Portuguese explorer Pedro Fernández de Quirós became the first European to sight the islands in 1606, believing Espíritu Santo to be the fabled southern continent. Louis Antoine de Bougainville and Captain James Cook subsequently charted the archipelago, with Cook naming it the New Hebrides in 1774. The sandalwood trade from 1825, followed by the brutal 'blackbirding' indentured labor trade of the 1860s, devastated the indigenous Melanesian population.
Colonial Settlement
1865 – 1906
European settlers arrived in increasing numbers to establish cotton, coffee, and coconut plantations, with British Australians initially dominant until the French Caledonian Company of the New Hebrides shifted the balance in France's favor by the 1880s. Missionaries of both Catholic and Protestant denominations established a presence alongside commercial interests. Competing British and French claims over the islands created diplomatic friction that neither power could resolve through annexation.
Anglo-French Condominium
1906 – 1980
France and Britain agreed in 1906 to jointly administer the New Hebrides under the unique British-French Condominium, which maintained parallel governmental and legal systems while barring Melanesians from citizenship of either power. The arrival of American forces during World War II stimulated indigenous nationalism, fueling movements such as the John Frum cargo cult. The Vanua'aku Pati, founded in the early 1970s by figures including Father Walter Lini, pressed successfully for self-determination.
Independence & Modern Era
1980 – present
The Republic of Vanuatu was proclaimed on July 30, 1980, with Walter Lini serving as the country's first Prime Minister; Vanuatu joined the United Nations in 1981. The nation navigated recurring political instability marked by frequent changes of government while developing its economy around tourism, offshore financial services, and agriculture. Natural hazards have periodically tested the country, including the eruption of Mount Manaro in 2005 and the devastating impact of Cyclone Pam in 2015.
Overview
The first island in the Vanuatu group discovered by Europeans was Espiritu Santo, when in 1606 the Portuguese explorer, Pedro Fernandez De Quiros, spied what he thought was a southern continent. Europeans did not return until 1768, when Louis Antoine de Bougainville rediscovered the islands. In 1774, Captain Cook named the islands the New Hebrides, a name that lasted until independence.
In 1825, trader Peter Dillon’s discovery of sandalwood on the island of Erromango began a rush that ended in 1830 after a clash between immigrant Polynesian workers and indigenous Melanesians. During the 1860s, planters in Australia, Fiji, New Caledonia, and the Samoa Islands, in need of laborers, encouraged a long-term indentured labor trade called "blackbirding." At the height of the labor trade, more than one-half the adult male population of several of the Islands worked abroad. Fragmentary evidence indicates that the current population of Vanuatu is greatly reduced compared to pre-contact times.
It was at this time that missionaries, both Catholic and Protestant, arrived on the islands. Settlers also came, looking for land on which to establish cotton plantations. When international cotton prices collapsed, they switched to coffee, cocoa, bananas, and, most successfully, coconuts. Initially, British subjects from Australia made up the majority, but the establishment of the Caledonian Company of the New Hebrides in 1882 soon tipped the balance in favor of French subjects. By the turn of the century, the French outnumbered the British two to one.
The jumbling of French and British interests in the islands brought petitions for one or another of the two powers to annex the territory. In 1906, however, France and the United Kingdom agreed to administer the islands jointly. Called the British-French Condominium, it was a unique form of government, with separate governmental systems that came together only in a joint court. Melanesians were barred from acquiring the citizenship of either power.
Challenges to this form of government began in the early 1940s. The arrival of Americans during World War II, with their informal demeanor and relative wealth, was instrumental in the rise of nationalism in the islands. The belief in a mythical messianic figure named John Frum was the basis for an indigenous cargo cult (a movement attempting to obtain industrial goods through magic) promising Melanesian deliverance. Today, John Frum is both a religion and a political party with two members in Parliament.
The first political party was established in the early 1970s and originally was called the New Hebrides National Party. One of the founders was Father Walter Lini, who later became Prime Minister. Renamed the Vanua’aku Pati in 1974, the party pushed for independence; in 1980, the Republic of Vanuatu was created.
Timeline of Key Events
1605
Islands visited by Spanish navigator Pedro Ferdinand de Quiros.
Islands visited by Spanish navigator Pedro Ferdinand de Quiros.
1768
Louis Antoine de Bougainville names the islands Les Grandes Cyclades.
Louis Antoine de Bougainville names the islands Les Grandes Cyclades.
1774
British explorer Captain Cook charts the islands calling them the New Hebrides.
British explorer Captain Cook charts the islands calling them the New Hebrides.
1865
European settlers begin to arrive on the islands.
European settlers begin to arrive on the islands.
1878
Britain and France agreed to Island group remaining independent.
Britain and France agreed to Island group remaining independent.
1906
Britain and France make the country a Condominium, under joint administration.
Britain and France make the country a Condominium, under joint administration. Each power is responsible for its own citizens but indigenous New Hebrideans are looked after by both countries. Non-New Hebrideans choose which country they want to be governed by.
1906
Coup d’etat failed.
Coup d’etat failed.
Read the full history profile — narrative overview, defining eras, and the complete timeline in one place.
View expanded historyInteresting Facts
Interesting Facts
There are over 113 languages spoken in Vanuatu. Official languages are English, French and Bislama (also known as pidgin).
See every fact — trivia, oddities, and curious tidbits gathered from across the country.
View all interesting factsGeography and Environment
Geography and Environment
- Terrain
- mostly mountainous islands of volcanic origin; narrow coastal plains
- 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
- Natural Hazards
- tropical cyclones or typhoons (January to April); volcanism causes minor earthquakes; tsunamis
- Current Environmental Issues
- a majority of the population does not have access to a potable and reliable supply of water; deforestation
Read the full geography and environment profile — terrain, climate, natural resources, hazards, land use, and international agreements.
View full geographyPeople & Demographics
People & Demographics
Religion
Languages Spoken
three official languages: English, French, pidgin (known as Bislama or Bichelama), plus more than 100 local languages
- English
- French
- Pidgin
Population
- Population
- 221,552
- Population in Major Urban Areas
- PORT-VILA (capital) 47,000
- Nationality Noun
- Ni-Vanuatu (singular and plural)
- Ethnic Groups
- indigenous Melanesian 98%, French, Vietnamese, Chinese, other Pacific Islanders
Education
- Literacy Definition
- age 15 and over can read and write
Read the full people and society profile — demographics, health, education, religion, languages, and notable people.
View full people and societyGovernment & Politics
Government & Politics
Country Identity
- Country Name
- Vanuatu
- Full Country Name
- Republic of Vanuatu
- Former Name
- New Hebrides
Government Structure
- Government Type
- parliamentary republic
- Legal System
- unified system being created from former dual French and British systems
- Executive Branch
- chief of state: President Nikenike VUROBARAVU (since 23 July 2022) head of government: Prime Minister Charlot SALWAI (since 6 March 2024); Deputy Prime Minister Silas YATAN (since 6 March 2024) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister, responsible to Parliament 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 23 July 2022 (next to be held in 2027); following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition is usually elected prime minister by Parliament from among its members; general elections last held 13 January 2022 (next to be held in 2026) election results: Nikenike VUROBARAVU elected president in the ninth round of voting by the electoral college on 23 July 2022; Charlot SALWAI elected prime minister by Parliament on 6 March 2024 following the resignation of Sato KILMAN
- Legislative Branch
- unicameral Parliament (52 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) elections: last held 6 July 2004 (next to be held 2008) election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - NUP 10, UMP 8, VP 8, VRP 4, MPP 3, VGP 3, other and independent 16; note - political party associations are fluid note: the National Council of Chiefs advises on matters of culture and language
- 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)
- Suffrage
- 18 years of age; universal
- Constitution
- 30-Jul-80
- Independence
- 30 July 1980 (from France and UK)
- National Holiday
- Independence Day, 30 July (1980)
Capital City
- Capital Name
- Port-Vila (on Efate)
- Capital - geographic coordinate
- 17 44 S, 168 19 E
- Capital Time Difference
- UTC+11 (16 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
there are two possibilities for the origin of the name: early European settlers were Portuguese and "vila" means "village or town" in Portuguese, hence "Port-Vila" would mean "Port Town"; alternatively, the site of the capital is referred to as "Efil" or "Ifira" in native languages, "Vila" is a likely corruption of these names
Military
Branches: no regular military forces; Vanuatu Police Force (VPF), Vanuatu Mobile Force (VMF; includes Police Maritime Wing (PMW))
Embassy / Diplomatic Mission
U.S. Embassy in Papua New Guinea
Douglas Street, Port Moresby
Express/courier mail service address: U.S. Embassy, Douglas St., Port Moresby, NCD 121.
Mailing address: PO Box 1492, Port Moresby, NCD 121, Papua New Guinea
Telephone: 675 321-1455
After-hours emergency number for U.S. citizens: 675 7200-9439
Email: consularportmoresby@state.gov
Read the full government profile — flag symbolism, national anthem, and other national symbols.
View full government detailsEconomy
Economy
Vanuatu's South Pacific island economy is based primarily on small-scale agriculture, which provides a livelihood for roughly two-thirds of the population. Fishing, offshore financial services, and tourism are other mainstays, with visitor arrivals having grown substantially over the decades to surpass 100,000 annually before the COVID-19 pandemic. Mineral deposits are negligible, and the country has no known petroleum reserves. A small light industry sector caters to the local market, while tax revenues come mainly from import duties and a value-added tax, as Vanuatu does not levy income tax.
Economic development is hindered by dependence on relatively few commodity exports — chiefly copra, kava, beef, cocoa, and timber — as well as vulnerability to natural disasters and the long distances from main markets and between the country's many islands. Vanuatu sits along the Pacific Ring of Fire and is regularly ranked among the world's most disaster-prone nations. Tropical Cyclone Pam in March 2015 caused damage equivalent to more than 60% of GDP, and Cyclones Harold (2020) and Judy and Kevin (2023) inflicted further severe setbacks. A magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck near Port Vila in December 2024, causing extensive damage in the capital and significant loss of life.
The COVID-19 pandemic devastated the tourism sector, which had accounted for roughly 35% of GDP, triggering a sharp recession in 2020. Recovery has been gradual as international travel resumed, with Australia and New Zealand remaining the main sources of tourists and development assistance, alongside growing engagement from China and multilateral donors. The government has continued to strengthen regulation of its offshore financial center in response to international pressure on tax transparency and anti–money laundering standards, and the country was removed from the EU's tax haven blacklist in 2024. Revenue from Vanuatu's economic citizenship program has become a significant fiscal contributor, though it has drawn scrutiny from international partners. Agriculture, particularly livestock and high-value niche exports such as kava, remains a key target for growth alongside tourism and the digital economy.
Snapshot
- Currency Name and Code
- Vanuatu Vatu (VUV)
- GDP Real Growth Rate
- 1.11%
Banknotes
Budget & Public Finance
- Fiscal Year
- calendar year
- Annual Budget
- $54,300,000 (USD)
- External Debt
- $83,700,000 (USD)
- Economic Aid
- $45,800,000 (USD)
Labor, Industry & Trade
- Labor Force by Occupation
- agriculture 65%; services 30%; industry 5%
- Industries
- food and fish freezing, wood processing, meat canning
- Agriculture Products
- copra, coconuts, cocoa, coffee, taro, yams, coconuts, fruits, vegetables; fish, beef
- Export Commodities
- copra, beef, cocoa, timber, kava, coffee
- Export Partners
- India 32.9%, Thailand 22.8%, South Korea 10.1%, Indonesia 6.3%, Japan 5.1%
- Import Commodities
- machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, fuels
- Import Partners
- Australia 21%, Japan 18.8%, New Zealand 9.4%, Singapore 8%, Fiji 6.5%, India 5.1%
Energy
- Oil Production
- 0 bbl/day
- Oil Consumption
- 620 bbl/day
- Oil Reserves
- 0 bbl/day
- Natural Gas Production
- 0 cu m
- Natural Gas Consumption
- 0 cu m
- Natural Gas Imports
- 0 cu m
- Natural Gas Exports
- 0 cu m
- Natural Gas Reserves
- 0 cu m
Communications
- Telephone System
- international: country code - 678; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)
- Internet Country Code
- .vu
News & Weather
News & Weather
Current Weather
Latest News
Air Vanuatu expects fifth DHC-6-300 by early 3Q26 - ch-aviation
ch-aviation · 6h ago
Sustaining measles elimination: Vanuatu puts preparedness to the test - World Health Organization (WHO)
World Health Organization (WHO) · 5d ago
Ash from Ambae volcano grounds flights in Vanuatu - RNZ
RNZ · 12h ago
Australia and Vanuatu sign delayed security deal seen as curbing China - Reuters
Reuters · 22d ago
A long-awaited Australia-Vanuatu pact blocks China from building a military base - AP News
AP News · 22d ago
Australia and Vanuatu sign deal to block foreign military bases - Al Jazeera
Al Jazeera · 22d ago
The importance of air services to remote communities - IATA
IATA · 3d ago
Vanuatu's Belair Airways starts Lopeni flights - ch-aviation
ch-aviation · 9h ago
News via Google News
Climate Overview
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
Videos
Videos
1 curated YouTube videos.
Source: YouTube
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Vanuatu?
What are the eating customs in Vanuatu?
How should I dress in Vanuatu?
What gestures should I know about in Vanuatu?
What are families like in Vanuatu?
What do people do for recreation in Vanuatu?
What should I know about the culture before visiting Vanuatu?
What is the capital of Vanuatu?
Where is Vanuatu located?
What ocean and seas surround Vanuatu?
What is the predominant religion in Vanuatu?
What is the currency of Vanuatu?
What languages are spoken in Vanuatu?
What is the geography of Vanuatu like?
What is Vanuatu known for?
Last reviewed 2026