Geography and Environment

Geography and Environment of Vanuatu

Terrain, climate, natural resources, hazards, and environmental conditions of Vanuatu.

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
Highest Point: 1877 — Tabwemasana 1,877 m
Lowest Point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

Natural Resources: manganese, hardwood forests, fish
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
International 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

Detailed geography