People and Society of Vanuatu

Nationality

Ni-Vanuatu (singular and plural)

Ethnic Groups

indigenous Melanesian 98%, French, Vietnamese, Chinese, other Pacific Islanders

Population

221,552

Population in Major Urban Areas

PORT-VILA (capital) 47,000

Hospital and medical facilities in Vanuatu are limited. Costs for treatment, including for pharmaceuticals, can be expensive. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for their services. In the event of a serious illness or accident (including diving-related injuries), you would need a medical evacuation to a destination with appropriate facilities, usually Australia. A medical evacuation can cost tens of thousands of U.S. dollars. There is only one hyperbaric chamber for diving accidents in Vanuatu, located in Port Vila. Many of the popular dive sites are located on other islands, and it may take several hours or days to obtain medical assistance in the event of a diving accident. Pharmacies are located only in urban centers and at missionary clinics. They are small and may be inadequately stocked; bring adequate supplies of medications for your stay in Vanuatu.

Literacy Definition

age 15 and over can read and write

• Presbyterian36.0%
• Other16.0%
• Anglican15.0%
• Roman Catholic15.0%
• Indigenous8.0%
• 7th Day Adventist6.0%
• Church of Christ4.0%

three official languages: English, French, pidgin (known as Bislama or Bichelama), plus more than 100 local languages

• English
• French
• Pidgin

Crime Information

Although violent crime is rare in Vanuatu, there is a risk that you could be a victim of theft, burglary, sexual harassment, or sexual assault. Take reasonable precautions to avoid exposing yourself to undue risk, especially in tourist areas. Women should avoid going out alone at night or to isolated locations, especially on foot. If you are a victim of crime in Vanuatu, contact the local police emergency line, which is 112 in Vanuatu, and the U.S. Embassy in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.

Criminal Penalties

Local laws and penalties, including ones that appear to be harsh by U.S. standards, apply to you. If you violate Vanuatu’s laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Crimes related to illegal drugs in Vanuatu are severely penalized. Buying pirated goods, engaging in sexual conduct with children, or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States. If you are arrested in Vanuatu, request that the police, prison officials, or otherauthorities alert the U.S. Embassy in Papua New Guinea immediately of your arrest. Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are they illegal in the United States, you may also be breaking local law.