World · permanent entity record · NH

Vanuatu

Thirty-second orientation

Vanuatu at a glance

Capital: Port-Vila (on Efate); CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
Population: 335,169; World Bank, World Development Indicators · observation year 2025
Area: 12,189 sq km; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
Nationality / demonym: noun: Ni-Vanuatu (singular and plural); adjective: Ni-Vanuatu; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
Government: parliamentary republic; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
Languages: indigenous languages (more than 100) 82.6%, Bislama (official; creole) 14.5%, English (official) 2.1%, French (official) 0.8% (2020 est.); CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04

Independently structured milestones · not a complete national history

Vanuatu through time

1981-09-15
Admitted to the United Nations
Vanuatu became a member of the United Nations.
United Nations, Member States · source checked 2026-09-04

Source history · changed fields only

Changes since the final CIA profile

Field	Maintained Almanac value	Final CIA profile
Population	335,169World Bank, World Development Indicators · observation year 2025	total: 318,007 (2024 est.) male: 157,932 female: 160,075CIA World Factbook · as of 2026-01-05

A difference may reflect a newer observation, a revised estimate, or a different source definition. This table reports the values and dates; it does not manufacture a trend.

World Development Indicators · latest available observation

People, economy, and access

Observation years vary by measure. Each row identifies the series and year instead of presenting unlike dates as one current snapshot.

Gross domestic product: $1.4 billion; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator NY.GDP.MKTP.CD · observation year 2025 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator NY.GDP.MKTP.CD. Underlying providers: National statistical authorities, central banks, OECD national accounts, and World Bank staff estimates. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Gross domestic product per person: $4,039; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator NY.GDP.PCAP.CD · observation year 2025 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator NY.GDP.PCAP.CD. Underlying providers: National statistical authorities, central banks, OECD national accounts, and World Bank staff estimates. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Life expectancy at birth: 71.7 years; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator SP.DYN.LE00.IN · observation year 2024 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2024; indicator SP.DYN.LE00.IN. Underlying providers: UN Population Division, national statistical offices, and Eurostat. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Urban population: 22.3%; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS · observation year 2025 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS. Underlying providers: UN Population Division, World Urbanization Prospects. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Access to electricity: 65.5%; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS · observation year 2024 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2024; indicator EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS. Underlying providers: World Bank ESMAP, Tracking SDG 7. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
People using the internet: 22.4%; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator IT.NET.USER.ZS · observation year 2015 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2015; indicator IT.NET.USER.ZS. Underlying providers: International Telecommunication Union. Source footnote: Source and notes: ITU estimate., Retrieved 2026-09-08.

World Development Indicators data are provided under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0). The linked indicator metadata identifies the underlying statistical providers.

Maintained profile

Capital: Port-Vila (on Efate); CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04The nation set and displayed federal short name follow the current State Department independent-states register, dated August 11, 2026.
Area: 12,189 sq km; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04Final CIA source data preserved by a community mirror after the Factbook was retired; the mirror is not the issuing authority.
Population: 335,169; World Bank, World Development Indicators · observation year 2025World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator SP.POP.TOTL. Underlying providers: UN Population Division, national statistical offices, and Eurostat. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Currency: vatu (VUV); CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04Currency label extracted from the Factbook exchange-rate field.
Languages: indigenous languages (more than 100) 82.6%, Bislama (official; creole) 14.5%, English (official) 2.1%, French (official) 0.8% (2020 est.); CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04Factbook language listing reproduced without inferring official status beyond the source wording.
Nationality / demonym: noun: Ni-Vanuatu (singular and plural); adjective: Ni-Vanuatu; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04The source’s noun and adjective forms are retained. These are language labels, not evidence of any individual person’s citizenship.
Government: parliamentary republic; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
UN membership: 1981-09-15; United Nations, Member States · as of 2026-09-04
Continent: Oceania; CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-05Continental label standardized from the archived profile region “Australia and Oceania.”
Coastline: 2,528 km; CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-05Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-05Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Religions: Protestant 39.9% (Presbyterian 27.2%, Seventh Day Adventist 14.8%, Anglican 12%, Churches of Christ 5%, Assemblies of God 4.9%, Neil Thomas Ministry/Inner Life Ministry 3.2%), Roman Catholic 12.1%, Apostolic 2.3%, Church of Jesus Christ 1.8%, customary beliefs (including Jon Frum cargo cult) 3.1%, other 12%, none 1.4%, unspecified 0.1% (2020 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-05Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Flag colors: red, green, black, yellow; CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-05Colors extracted from the flag description in the preserved final CIA profile.
National symbol: boar's tusk with crossed fern fronds; CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-05Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Highest point: Tabwemasana · 6,158 ft (1,877 m); CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-05Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Lowest point: Pacific Ocean · 0 ft (0 m); CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-05Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
NATO membership: Not a member; NATO, What is NATO? · as of 2026-09-06Membership status is reported from the organization's current member list as of the stated date.
BRICS membership: Not a member; BRICS Brazil, About the BRICS · as of 2026-09-06Membership status is reported from the organization's current member list as of the stated date.

Preserved public-domain record · not maintained current data

Final CIA World Factbook profile

This is the preserved historical baseline from the Factbook’s final public snapshot. It is presented as the CIA stated it, not as a current Standard American Almanac finding. Current, independently maintained facts appear above when available.

CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · profile updated 2026-01-05 · pinned source record · commit d81154954b8b

Introduction1 fields

Background: Austronesian speakers from the Solomon Islands first settled Vanuatu around 2000 B.C. By around 1000, localized chieftain systems began to develop on the islands. Around 1600, Melanesian Chief ROI MATA united some of the islands of modern-day Vanuatu under his rule. In 1606, a Portuguese explorer was the first European to see Vanuatu's Banks Islands and Espiritu Santo, setting up a short-lived settlement on the latter. The next European explorers arrived in the 1760s, and the islands -- then known as the New Hebrides -- were frequented by whalers in the 1800s. European interest in harvesting the islands’ sandalwood trees caused conflict with the inhabitants. In the 1860s, European planters in Australia, Fiji, New Caledonia, and Samoa needed labor and kidnapped almost half the adult males on the islands to work as indentured servants. With growing and overlapping interests in the islands, France and the UK agreed that the New Hebrides would be neutral in 1878 and established a joint naval commission in 1887. In 1906, the two countries created the UK-France condominium to jointly administer the islands, with separate laws, police forces, currencies, and education and health systems. The condominium arrangement was dysfunctional, and the UK used France’s initial defeat in World War II to assert greater control over the islands. During the war, the US stationed up to 50,000 soldiers in Vanuatu. In 1945, they withdrew and sold their equipment, leading to the rise of political and religious movements known as "cargo cults," such as the John Frum movement. The UK-France condominium was reestablished after World War II. The UK was interested in moving the condominium toward independence in the 1960s, but France was hesitant. Political parties agitating for independence began to form, largely divided along linguistic lines. France eventually relented, and elections were held in 1974, with independence granted to the newly named Vanuatu in 1980 under English-speaking Prime Minister Walter LINI. The Nagriamel Movement, with support from French-speaking landowners, then declared the island of Espiritu Santo independent from Vanuatu, but the short-lived state was dissolved 12 weeks later. Linguistic divisions have lessened over time, but highly fractious political parties have led to weak coalition governments that require support from both Anglophone and Francophone parties. Since 2008, prime ministers have been ousted more than a dozen times through no-confidence motions or temporary procedural issues.; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source

Geography17 fields

Location: Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to Australia; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Geographic coordinates: 16 00 S, 167 00 E; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Map references: Oceania; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Area: total : 12,189 sq km land: 12,189 sq km water: 0 sq km note: includes more than 80 islands, about 65 of which are inhabited; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Area - comparative: slightly larger than Connecticut; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Land boundaries: total: 0 km; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Coastline: 2,528 km; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin note: measured from claimed archipelagic baselines; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Terrain: mostly mountainous islands of volcanic origin; narrow coastal plains; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Elevation: highest point: Tabwemasana 1,877 m lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Natural resources: manganese, hardwood forests, fish; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Land use: agricultural land: 15.3% (2023 est.) arable land: 1.6% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 10.3% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 3.4% (2023 est.) forest: 74.8% (2023 est.) other: 9.8% (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Irrigated land: 0 sq km (2022); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Population distribution: three quarters of the population lives in rural areas; the urban populace lives primarily in two cities, Port-Vila and Lugenville; the three largest islands -- Espiritu Santo, Malakula, and Efate -- accommodate over half of the populace; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Natural hazards: tropical cyclones (January to April); volcanic activity; volcanism also causes minor earthquakes; tsunamis volcanism: significant volcanic activity with multiple eruptions in recent years; Yasur (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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Geography - note: a Y-shaped chain of four main islands and 80 smaller islands; several of the islands have active volcanoes, including several underwater volcanoes; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source

People and Society31 fields

Population: total: 318,007 (2024 est.) male: 157,932 female: 160,075; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Nationality: noun: Ni-Vanuatu (singular and plural) adjective: Ni-Vanuatu; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Ethnic groups: Ni-Vanuatu 99%, other 1% (European, Asian, other Melanesian, Polynesian, Micronesian, other) (2020 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Languages: indigenous languages (more than 100) 82.6%, Bislama (official; creole) 14.5%, English (official) 2.1%, French (official) 0.8% (2020 est.) note: data represent first language spoken for population aged 3 years and above; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Religions: Protestant 39.9% (Presbyterian 27.2%, Seventh Day Adventist 14.8%, Anglican 12%, Churches of Christ 5%, Assemblies of God 4.9%, Neil Thomas Ministry/Inner Life Ministry 3.2%), Roman Catholic 12.1%, Apostolic 2.3%, Church of Jesus Christ 1.8%, customary beliefs (including Jon Frum cargo cult) 3.1%, other 12%, none 1.4%, unspecified 0.1% (2020 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Age structure: 0-14 years: 31.1% (male 50,584/female 48,475) 15-64 years: 63.8% (male 99,496/female 103,425) 65 years and over: 5% (2024 est.) (male 7,852/female 8,175); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 56.7 (2024 est.) youth dependency ratio: 48.8 (2024 est.) elderly dependency ratio: 7.9 (2024 est.) potential support ratio: 12.7 (2024 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Median age: total: 24.9 years (2025 est.) male: 24.1 years female: 25 years; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Population growth rate: 1.51% (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Birth rate: 20.36 births/1,000 population (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Death rate: 4.02 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Net migration rate: -1.24 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Population distribution: three quarters of the population lives in rural areas; the urban populace lives primarily in two cities, Port-Vila and Lugenville; the three largest islands -- Espiritu Santo, Malakula, and Efate -- accommodate over half of the populace; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Urbanization: urban population: 26% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 2.55% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Major urban areas - population: 53,000 PORT-VILA (capital) (2018); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.96 male(s)/female total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2024 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Maternal mortality ratio: 100 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Infant mortality rate: total: 13.4 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.) male: 15 deaths/1,000 live births female: 12.3 deaths/1,000 live births; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 75.7 years (2024 est.) male: 74 years female: 77.4 years; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Total fertility rate: 2.46 children born/woman (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Gross reproduction rate: 1.2 (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Drinking water source: urban: 99.2% of population (2022 est.) rural: 88.6% of population (2022 est.) total: 91.3% of population (2022 est.) urban: 0.8% of population (2022 est.) rural: 11.4% of population (2022 est.) total: 8.7% of population (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Health expenditure: 4.4% of GDP (2021) 3.9% of national budget (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Physician density: 0.16 physicians/1,000 population (2019); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Sanitation facility access: urban: 94% of population (2022 est.) rural: 66.9% of population (2022 est.) total: 73.9% of population (2022 est.) urban: 6% of population (2022 est.) rural: 33.1% of population (2022 est.) total: 26.1% of population (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 25.2% (2016); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Alcohol consumption per capita: total: 1.6 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) beer: 0.34 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) wine: 0.39 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) spirits: 0.87 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Tobacco use: total: 17.8% (2020 est.) male: 33% (2020 est.) female: 2.6% (2020 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Currently married women (ages 15-49): 68.6% (2020 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Education expenditure: 7.6% of GDP (2023 est.) 20.1% national budget (2024 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Literacy: total population: 88% (2023 est.) male: 87.7% (2023 est.) female: 88.2% (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source

Environment9 fields

Environmental issues: water pollution; limited potable water; inadequate sanitation; deforestation; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
International environmental agreements: party to: Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Land use: agricultural land: 15.3% (2023 est.) arable land: 1.6% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 10.3% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 3.4% (2023 est.) forest: 74.8% (2023 est.) other: 9.8% (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Urbanization: urban population: 26% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 2.55% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Carbon dioxide emissions: 292,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 292,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Particulate matter emissions: 9.1 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 70,200 tons (2024 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 52.9% (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Total renewable water resources: 10 billion cubic meters (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source

Government23 fields

Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Vanuatu conventional short form: Vanuatu local long form: Ripablik blong Vanuatu local short form: Vanuatu former: New Hebrides etymology: the name means "Our land forever" in several of the Austronesian languages spoken on the islands; the former name, New Hebrides, was given by Captain James COOK in 1774 because he thought they looked similar to the Hebrides islands off the coast of Scotland; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Government type: parliamentary republic; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Capital: name: Port-Vila (on Efate) geographic coordinates: 17 44 S, 168 19 E time difference: UTC+11 (16 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: the local name of Vila is sometimes used alone for the the port town; its meaning is unknown; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Administrative divisions: 6 provinces; Malampa, Penama, Sanma, Shefa, Tafea, Torba; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Legal system: mixed system of English common law, French law, and customary law; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Constitution: history: draft completed August 1979, finalized by constitution conference 19 September 1979, ratified by French and British Governments 23 October 1979, effective 30 July 1980 at independence amendment process: proposed by the prime minister or by the Parliament membership; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote by Parliament in special session with at least three fourths of the membership; passage of amendments affecting the national and official languages, or the electoral and parliamentary system also requires approval in a referendum; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
International law organization participation: has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Citizenship: citizenship by birth: no citizenship by descent only: both parents must be citizens of Vanuatu; in the case of only one parent, it must be the father who is a citizen dual citizenship recognized: no residency requirement for naturalization: 10 years; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Executive branch: chief of state: President Nikenike VUROBARAVU (since 23 July 2022) head of government: Prime Minister Jotham NAPAT (since 11 February 2025) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister, responsible to Parliament election/appointment process: president indirectly elected by an electoral college consisting of Parliament and presidents of the 6 provinces; national president serves a 5-year term; following legislative elections, the Parliament usually elects the leader of the majority party or majority coalition (who must also be a member of Parliament) as prime minister most recent election date: 23 July 2022 election results: 2022: Nikenike VUROBARAVU elected president in eighth round; electoral college vote - Nikenike VUROBARAVU (VP) 48 votes, Solas MOLISA (VP) 4 votes expected date of next election: 2027 note: the National Council of Chiefs (Malvatu Mauri) is a formal advisory body of chiefs recognized by the country's constitution; it advises the government on matters of culture and language; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Legislative branch: legislature name: Parliament legislative structure: unicameral number of seats: 52 (all directly elected) electoral system: proportional representation scope of elections: full renewal term in office: 4 years most recent election date: 1/16/2025 parties elected and seats per party: Leaders Party of Vanuatu (LPV) (9); Vanua'aku Pati (VP) (7); Iauko Group (IG) (6); Union of Moderate Parties (UMP) (6); Rural Development Party (RDP) (6); Graon mo Jastis Pati (Land and Justice Party, GJP) (5); Reunification Movement for Change (RMC) (5); Other (8) percentage of women in chamber: 1.9% expected date of next election: January 2029; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Judicial branch: highest court(s): Court of Appeal (consists of 2 or more judges of the Supreme Court designated by the chief justice); Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice and 6 puisne judges -- 3 local and 3 expatriate) judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court chief justice appointed by the president after consultation with the prime minister and the leader of the opposition; other judges appointed by the president on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission, a 4-member advisory body; judges serve until the age of retirement subordinate courts: Magistrates Courts; Island Courts; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Political parties: Iauko Group (Eagle Party) or IG Land and Justice Party (Graon mo Jastis Pati or GJP) Leaders Party of Vanuatu or LPV Rural Development Party or RDP Reunification of Movement for Change or RMC Union of Moderate Parties or UMP Vanua'aku Pati (Our Land Party) or VP; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Odo TEVI (since 8 September 2017) note - also Permanent Representative to the UN chancery: 800 Second Avenue, Suite 400B, New York, NY 10017 telephone: [1] (212) 661-4303 FAX: [1] (212) 422-3427 email address and website: vanunmis@aol.com https://www.un.int/vanuatu/ note: the Vanuatu Permanent Mission to the UN serves as the embassy; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Ann Marie YASTISHOCK (since 16 April 2024); note - also accredited to the Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, based in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea embassy: Port Vila email address and website: https://vt.usembassy.gov/; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
International organization participation: ACP, ADB, AOSIS, C, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, IOC, IOM, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM, OAS (observer), OIF, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Independence: 30 July 1980 (from France and the UK); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
National holiday: Independence Day, 30 July (1980); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Flag: description: two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and green with a black isosceles triangle (based on the left side); a black-edged yellow stripe in the shape of a horizontal "Y" faces the left side and encloses the triangle; a boar's tusk in the triangle circles two crossed namele fern fronds, all in yellow meaning: red stands for unity and the blood of men and boars, green for the richness of the islands, and black for the ni-Vanuatu people; the yellow "Y" reflects the islands' layout in the Pacific Ocean and symbolizes the light of the Gospel; the boar's tusk is a symbol of prosperity; the ferns represent peace note: one of four national flags that reflect the shape of the country in the flag design; the others are Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, and Eritrea; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
National symbol(s): boar's tusk with crossed fern fronds; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
National color(s): red, black, green, yellow; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
National anthem(s): title: "Yumi, Yumi, Yumi" (We, We, We) lyrics/music: Francois Vincent AYSSAV history: adopted 1980; the anthem is written in the native Bislama; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 1 (cultural) selected World Heritage Site locales: Chief Roi Mata’s Domain; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source

Economy31 fields

Economic overview: lower-middle income Pacific island economy; extremely reliant on subsistence agriculture and tourism; environmentally fragile; struggling post-pandemic and Tropical Cyclone Harold rebound; sizeable inflation; road infrastructure aid from Australia; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $1.039 billion (2024 est.) $999.162 million (2023 est.) $1.009 billion (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Real GDP growth rate: 4% (2024 est.) -1% (2023 est.) 5.2% (2022 est.) note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Real GDP per capita: $3,200 (2024 est.) $3,100 (2023 est.) $3,200 (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
GDP (official exchange rate): $1.161 billion (2024 est.) note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 11.2% (2023 est.) 6.7% (2022 est.) 2.3% (2021 est.) note: annual % change based on consumer prices; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 24.9% (2022 est.) industry: 7.5% (2022 est.) services: 60.4% (2022 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 77.2% (2022 est.) government consumption: 23.9% (2022 est.) investment in fixed capital: 38.8% (2022 est.) investment in inventories: 0.4% (2022 est.) exports of goods and services: 9.6% (2022 est.) imports of goods and services: -55.5% (2022 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Agricultural products: coconuts, oranges, yams, cabbages, taro, bananas, chillies/peppers, chestnuts, sweet potatoes, cassava (2023) note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Industries: food and fish freezing, wood processing, meat canning; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Industrial production growth rate: -19.7% (2022 est.) note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Labor force: 118,100 (2024 est.) note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Unemployment rate: 5.1% (2024 est.) 5.1% (2023 est.) 5.2% (2022 est.) note: % of labor force seeking employment; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24): total: 11.6% (2024 est.) male: 9.6% (2024 est.) female: 14% (2024 est.) note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Population below poverty line: 15.9% (2019 est.) note: % of population with income below national poverty line; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 32.3 (2019 est.) note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 3% (2019 est.) highest 10%: 24.7% (2019 est.) note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Remittances: 12.9% of GDP (2023 est.) 19.2% of GDP (2022 est.) 20.3% of GDP (2021 est.) note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Budget: revenues: $386.577 million (2023 est.) expenditures: $378.659 million (2023 est.) note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Public debt: 71.7% of GDP (2023 est.) note: central government debt as a % of GDP; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Taxes and other revenues: 17.4% (of GDP) (2023 est.) note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Current account balance: -$127.432 million (2022 est.) -$75.451 million (2021 est.) -$57.858 million (2020 est.) note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Exports: $152.087 million (2022 est.) $82.08 million (2021 est.) $132.943 million (2020 est.) note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Exports - partners: Thailand 49%, Japan 19%, Cote d'Ivoire 10%, China 7%, USA 3% (2023) note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Exports - commodities: fish, ships, perfume plants, wood, copra (2023) note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Imports: $579.347 million (2022 est.) $520.391 million (2021 est.) $438.373 million (2020 est.) note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Imports - partners: China 26%, Australia 15%, Angola 11%, Fiji 9%, NZ 8% (2023) note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Imports - commodities: refined petroleum, ships, plastic products, poultry, trucks (2023) note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $614.65 million (2024 est.) $643.768 million (2023 est.) $638.537 million (2022 est.) note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Debt - external: $299.746 million (2023 est.) note: present value of external debt in current US dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Exchange rates: vatu (VUV) per US dollar - 119.167 (2024 est.) 119.112 (2023 est.) 115.354 (2022 est.) 109.452 (2021 est.) 115.38 (2020 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source

Energy5 fields

Electricity access: electrification - total population: 70% (2022 est.) electrification - urban areas: 97% electrification - rural areas: 60.7%; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Electricity: installed generating capacity: 39,000 kW (2023 est.) consumption: 74.766 million kWh (2023 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 5.264 million kWh (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Electricity generation sources: fossil fuels: 74.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) solar: 8.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) wind: 5% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) hydroelectricity: 11.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) biomass and waste: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Petroleum: refined petroleum consumption: 2,000 bbl/day (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Energy consumption per capita: 12.934 million Btu/person (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source

Communications6 fields

Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 3,000 (2022 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 1 (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 256,000 (2022 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 78 (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Broadcast media: 1 state-owned TV station; multi-channel pay TV available; state-owned Radio Vanuatu has 2 radio stations; 2 privately owned radio broadcasters; multiple international broadcasts available (2023); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Internet country code: .vu; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Internet users: percent of population: 46% (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 4,000 (2022 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 1 (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source

Transportation4 fields

Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: YJ; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Airports: 31 (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Merchant marine: total: 338 (2023) by type: bulk carrier 11, container ship 3, general cargo 101, other 223; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Ports: total ports: 3 (2024) large: 0 medium: 0 small: 1 very small: 2 ports with oil terminals: 2 key ports: Forari Bay, Luganville, Port Vila; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source

Military and Security2 fields

Military and security forces: no regular military forces; Vanuatu Police Force (VPF) note: the VPF includes the paramilitary Vanuatu Mobile Force (VMF) and Police Maritime Wing (VMW); the VMF has external security responsibilities; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Military - note: the separate British and French police forces were unified in 1980 as the New Hebrides Constabulary, which was commanded by Ni-Vanuatu officers while retaining some British and French officers as advisors; the Constabulary was subsequently renamed the Vanuatu Police Force later in 1980 the Vanuatu Mobile Force has received training and other support from Australia, China, France, New Zealand, and the US Vanuatu has a "shiprider" agreement with the US, which allows local maritime law enforcement officers to embark on US Coast Guard (USCG) and US Navy (USN) vessels, including to board and search vessels suspected of violating laws or regulations within Vanuatu's designated exclusive economic zone (EEZ) or on the high seas; "shiprider" agreements also enable USCG personnel and USN vessels with embarked USCG law enforcement personnel to work with host nations to protect critical regional resources (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source

Transnational Issues2 fields

Refugees and internally displaced persons: IDPs: 2,336 (2024 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source
Trafficking in persons: tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List — Vanuatu does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking, but the government has devoted sufficient resources to a written plan that, if implemented, would constitute significant efforts to meet the minimum standards; therefore, Vanuatu was granted a waiver per the Trafficking Victims Protection Act from an otherwise required downgrade to Tier 3 and remained on Tier 2 Watch List for the third consecutive year; for more details, go to: https://www.state.gov/reports/2025-trafficking-in-persons-report/vanuatu/; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-05 · source

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Vanuatu at a glance

Vanuatu through time

Admitted to the United Nations

Changes since the final CIA profile

People, economy, and access

Maintained profile