Flag of Vanuatu
Coat of Arms of Vanuatu
I N T R O D U C T I O N
The Republic of Vanuatu is a sovereign nation situated in the South Pacific Ocean, 500 miles west of Fiji and 1,100 miles east of northern Australia. Vanuatu is an archipelago comprising 83 beautiful tropical islands that range from medium population density, through to sparsely populated and even uninhabited. Vanuatu is renowned as one of the world's best dive destinations. From exploring underwater volcanoes and adventurous wreck diving, through to spectacular reef dives and scenic snorkeling, Vanuatu offers a diving experience for everyone. Although only a small island nation with a total land mass area of 12,274 square kilometers (4,739 square miles), Vanuatu represents a truly exotic mix of cultures and influences. It is believed that Melanesian seafarers first inhabited the islands nearly 3,000 years ago.
They were followed by the Spanish, French, and British, and then in more recent times, Australians and New Zealanders. The result is a truly exotic and vibrant island culture, quite unlike anywhere else in the world. From sparkling white sand beaches and crystal clear saltwater lagoons, through to dark and mysterious caves, cascading waterfalls, gaping caverns of active volcanoes, lush tropical rainforests, and rustic native villages, Vanuatu is a country waiting to be discovered by YOU. Vanuatu represents an intriguing mix of relaxing tropical lifestyle, outdoor adventuring, splendid scenery and a unique cultural experience. This is your classic tropical paradise and so much more. Everything you need to know about exotic Vanuatu is contained within this website, so happy browsing, and we look forward to welcoming you to wonderful Vanuatu.
G E O G R A P H Y
The Republic of Vanuatu is an island archipelago situated in the southern Pacific Ocean, between latitudes 13 degrees and 21 degrees South and longitudes 166 degrees East and 171 degrees East.
Vanuatu is a Y shaped archipelago comprising 83 volcanic origin islands with a landmass area of approximately 4,700 square kilometers (1,800 square miles)). In geographical terms, the islands of Vanuatu are considered small, and only 14 of them have a surface area of more than 100 square kilometers. The two biggest cities are Port Vila the capital of Vanuatu on the island of Efate, and Luganville on the island of Espiritu Santo. Port Vila sports a population of approximately 52,000 persons and Luganville has a population of approximately 15,000. All the islands in Vanuatu are of volcanic origin and there are several active surface volcanoes, as well as active underwater volcanoes. The highest mountain is Mount Tabwemasana which stands at 6,165 feet (1,879 meters). Vanuatu is home to lush tropical rainforest and Vanuatu is recognized as a distinct terrestrial eco-region, named the “Vanuatu rainforest eco-region”. This eco-region includes the islands of Vanuatu, the Santa Cruz Islands and the Solomon Islands.
Vanuatu Map
Climate: Vanuatu has a warm to hot tropical climate. The climate can be divided into two distinct seasons. The hot wet season from October to April and the warm dry season from May to September. During the hot wet season the archipelago experiences regular rainfall and the temperature range from between 26–32 °Centigrade (78–90 °Fahrenheit) on a daily basis. The warm dry season is from May to September. During this period the weather becomes cooler and drier with temperatures ranging from 20-28 °Centigrade (60-82 °Fahrenheit) and the islands experience south easterly trade winds.
Language: There are three principal languages in Vanuatu, English, French and Bislama but in the education system only English and French are used. Bislama is regarded as a creole language because its grammar and phonology are Melanesian but its vocabulary is mostly derived from English. Bislama is the lingua franca of Vanuatu. Apart from English French and Bislama there is also 113 indigenous languages and 3 Polynesian languages.
The predominant religion in Vanuatu is Christianity. The denominations include Presbyterian, Roman Catholic, Neil Thomas Ministries (MTM) Seventh-day Adventist, the Church of Christ, and Jehovah’s Witnesses and Islam. Presbyterian is the predominant denomination and includes approximately 15% of the population. Vanuatu is also home to a religion called the Cargo Cult. Basically during WW 2 the Cargo Cults revered the American soldiers as gods because of the “cargo” they bought with them and dispersed among the local population.
Port-Vila Cath Sacre Couer
Two members of the Prince Philip Movement
Most “cults” have ceased to be, but on the island of Tanna two interesting cults still exist and these are the John Frum cult and the Prince Philip Movement. The John Frum cult believes in a man/god who visits the island and brings with him wealth and prosperity for all his worshipers. John Frum is often depicted as a pale skinned American WW 2 serviceman. According to an ancient island legend, the son of a powerful mountain spirit travelled overseas and married a powerful woman. The couple would then return to Vanuatu bringing with them prosperity and wellbeing. It is believed the Prince Philip Movement “Cargo Cult” came into existence in the 1950’s, then in 1974 when the royal couple visited Vanuatu, the cult was further legitimized. The cult members witnessed the respect accorded to Queen Elizabeth, and concluded the foreigners were worshiping Prince Philip.
FAUNA Studies conducted by World Conservation Monitoring Centre have identified 108 separate species of animals inhabiting Vanuatu. These include amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and birds. Vanuatu is in many ways a unique fauna microcosm. There is not a wide diversity of fauna, but instead, there is a relatively small selection of unique fauna, (a tropical microcosm) that has adapted to the coastal and tropical forest environment. Take for example the Vanuatu flying fox (Pteropus anetianus) .which is indigenous to Vanuatu. The flying fox or “fruit bat”, eats fruit, pollen, and nectar. They also play an important role in regenerating the forest through spreading seeds and pollination. Researchers have identified 11 separate species of bats that inhabit the forests of Vanuatu with three of these being unique to Vanuatu and not found anywhere else in the world. Vanuatu is also home to 19 species of reptiles which are unique to Vanuatu. Take for example the “Flower Pot” snake which can only be found on the island of Efate.
The Fijian Banded Iguana
Vanuatu is literally a bird watchers paradise and it is home to 136 different species of birds. Because it is a relatively small area geographically, many of the birds can be easily viewed in their natural habitat.These species range from imported aquatic species such as Ducks, Geese and Swans through to the migratory sea and land faring birds such as Gannets, Cormorants, Frigate Birds and Pelicans. The islands are also home for some larger species of predatory birds such as Eagles, Hawks and Kites.One rather interesting bird which inhabits the coastal regions of Vanuatu is the, “Oystercatcher”. The “Oystercatcher” has a long and strong beak specially designed to forage for and crack open the shells of Mollusks, such as Oysters and Clams.
Being an island nation Vanuatu boats abundant marine life. In fact, 4,000 distinct species of mollusks and fishes can be found in the land and waters of Vanuatu.The waters of Vanuatu also boast a number of marine mammals such as Whales, Dolphins and Dugongs. It is also believed there are a total of four saltwater crocodiles living in the tropical mangrove swamps in the northern islands of Vanuatu. Nobody is 100 percent sure how they came to exist there, but the most common theory is, they swam from the Solomon Islands or New Guinea during a cyclone.
RAIN FOREST Vanuatu is renowned the world over for its lush tropical and subtropical broadleaf rainforests. In fact almost 75% of the total land mass of Vanuatu is covered by forest. These rain forests are tremendously important not only for the people of Vanuatu but also for people of the world, in the fight against global warming. The tribal people of Vanuatu have a close connection to the forests and their very existence is intrinsically tied to that of the forest. The forest provides a source of lumber and therefore cash, medicines, and a wide range of products used to support their subsistence lifestyle.
FLOWERS There is a wide range of tropical plants on display in Vanuatu some of which are indigenous to Vanuatu and unique to this eco-region. In botanical terms Vanuatu is a treasure trove, and even though the islands are comparatively small, the rainforests are thick and lush and it is commonly believed there may be undiscovered species of plants growing in the forests. Some of the unusual plants found in the forests of Vanuatu include Polynesian chestnut tree, the Wonga Wonga vine which is a creeper that produces beautiful, deeply colored flowers, and the Merbau which is mainly found growing in mangrove swamps.
Fauna & Flora links Medicinal plant use in Vanuatu: A comparative ethnobotanical study of three islands - ScienceDirect A guide to the common trees of Vanuatu with lists of their traditional uses & ni-Vanuatu names. (cabdirect.org)
Melanesia
It is genuinely believed that Vanuatu was first inhabited by mankind approximately 3,000 years ago between 1,100 BC and 700 BC. These people were Melanesian seafarers of the “Lapita Culture”, a “Prehistoric Austronesian” race. The Lapita culture was part of the Austronesian Eastern migration which is believed to have started in Taiwan approximately 5 to 6 thousand years ago. Using dugout canoes some of the Austronesian travelers reached as far East as Easter Island and as far West as Madagascar. The East bound voyagers travelled through the Philippines and the Marianas Islands, ending up as far away as New Zealand, Easter Island and Hawaii.
Lapita Female
A recreation of a Lapita culture woman in the National Museum of Ethnology in Osaka, Japan. This reconstruction depicts the woman as having straight hair thick lips and wide nose.
The first European to arrive in Vanuatu was Pedro Fernandez de Queiros in 1606. He arrived at the largest island, and believing it was Australia named it, “La Australia de Espiritu Santo” (“The Southern Land of the Holy Spirit”). The Spanish established a settlement which only lasted for one month due to hostilities with the native inhabitants and ill health of the crew.
Europeans returned again in 1768 in the form of Louis Antoine de Bougainville. He landed at Ambae and began trading with the native people. The French experienced hostilities with the Vanuatu natives.
The next European visitor was Captain James Cook who explored the islands quite extensively and renamed them the New Hebrides. The name New Hebrides lasted 174 years until 1980 when it was changed to The Republic of Vanuatu in accordance with the country’s now globally recognized independence.
Pedro Fernandez
During the first quarter of the 19th Century the European visitors were mainly whalers then in 1825 a European trader discovered Sandalwood which there was great demand for in the Chinese market and could be traded for tea. The discovery of sandalwood caused a rush of trade on the islands which lasted approximately five years, until hostilities erupted between the imported Polynesian workers and Vanuatu natives.
From the mid 18 hundreds Roman Catholic and Protestant missionaries commonly visited the islands and established small settlements.
The missionaries were followed by European settlers who unsuccessfully tried to establish cotton farms and when the cotton market collapsed they started growing a range of crops including coffee, bananas, cocoa and coconuts. Most of these farmer settlers were English convicts traveling from Australia.
Captain Cook Landing in Vanuatu
The Colonial Era began approximately in 1906 and continued until independence in1980. The two major countries concerned were France and England, who in 1887 formed the joint naval commission. The purpose of this commission was to safeguard the interests of France and Britain but it had no control over native affairs.
Land disputes between the native population and Europeans soon broke out, and these were made worse by the fact that Vanuatu natives were officially stateless and could never be recognized as either French or English citizens.
This situation was worsened by the lack of education, labor abuses, and lack of healthcare for the native population. All of these basic services and rights were left to the missionaries, which again would result in inevitable disputes and hostilities.
World War 2 heralded a period of rapid change. In an attempt to combat the Japanese advance, Australia established a military base at Malakula with 2,000 troops. Then in 1942, this was accompanied by the American forces who constructed military bases, a network of roads and airstrips for Allied planes.
At one stage there were 50,000 American military personnel stationed in Vanuatu and they outnumbered the Vanuatu natives. The American forces helped establish the 200 strong (New Hebrides Defense Force) and engaged thousands more in building and maintenance work.
A WWII American Airstrip in Vanuatu
From 1945 through to 1980 and independence The New Hebrides experienced rapid change. In the 1950’s the French and English Condominium Government initiated a “modernization and economic development” program. This included medical training, building up of the healthcare system, immunization campaigns, reconstruction of the education system and increased oversight of employee exploitation and increased for native laborers.
A new agricultural base was established in the form of cattle farming, commercial fishing and manganese mines were established. This was accompanied by more natives being moved into more authoritative positions.
The new found power represented definite steps towards empowerment of the native population but the British and French still dominated political circles.
1966 Flag of the Anglo-French Condominium of the New Hebrides
The New Hebrides declared independence on 30 July 1980. The countries name was changed from New Hebrides to Vanuatu and distinct political parties composed of Vanuatu natives, were formed.
Since independence the political landscape has been turbulent with parties regularly exercising the no confidence vote to oust the party in power, but despite this the democratic process remains intact as does the Republic of Vanuatu.
The flag of Vanuatu is symbolic of the country and what it has become. The black represents the Melanesian people, the red is for bloodshed, and green represents the tropical jungle and farm lands. The gold emblem symbolizes prosperity.
The flag of Vanuatu
The history of Vanuatu is rich and varied with the country being subject to a wide range of influences. African, Melanesian and Polynesian, through to Asian and European, have all influenced Vanuatu. Other influences include the typography and climate and all of these factors have combined to create a unique culture quite unlike anywhere else in the world.
In terms of culture, Vanuatu can be divided into three distinct parts, the North, Center and South. In the North the concept of wealth is philanthropic and an individuals’ wealth is measured by his generosity, or how much he can afford to give away. Giving things of value away is structured, and anthropologists refer to this structure as, “Grade-Taking”.
The concept is that the individual gains access to societal levels, (or grades) through giving things away. Typically the most valuable item given away will be a pig. Ordinarily individuals will receive a named rank and insignia with each “grade” achieved.
The advantages of this system are numerous, but most importantly, it ensures wealth dispersal throughout the society and societies longevity.
The tribal people of Vanuatu still engage in various “coming of age” ceremonies. For the men this will usually include circumcision and tests of courage.
Most tribal cultures in the South Pacific will have a meeting place which is frequented by males and so it is in Vanuatu with the “nakamai” or what we would call a village clubhouse.
The so called traditional music of Vanuatu still predominates in the remote and rural areas of Vanuatu and this music is primarily created by beating on various sized and shaped drums. They also incorporate rattles.
The 20th Century saw the development of a musical genre based on stringed instruments and the Vanuatu natives very appropriately have named this “String Band” music. Usually this will incorporate guitars and ukulele and renditions of modern popular songs.
In recent times the music of Vanuatu has changed again and there are several bands developing a local identity and sound. Two new genres of music have developed called “Zouk” and Reggaeton.
“Slit Gongs” Vanuatu drums
Like most of the countries in the South Pacific the cuisine of Vanuatu is based around fish, root vegetables such as taro and yams, tropical fruits and vegetables.
Food shortages are comparatively rare because most families grow their own vegetables and tropical fruits are found in abundance through at least 9 months of every year.
Coconut milk and cream are used extensively and most food is cooked using hot stones (similar to the New Zealand Hangi) or by boiling or steaming.
Laplap the national dish of Vanuatu. Laplap is made by mashing a root vegetable into a dough then it is cooked in an uma (an underground oven) together with wild spinach leaves, coconut cream and meat.
Laplap
The primary sport played in Vanuatu is football or (soccer as the non-Europeans call it).and there are two separate football leagues. These are the VFF (Vanuatu Football Federation) National Super League and the Port Vila Football League.
In the year 2006 the ‘New Economics Foundation’ together with ‘Friends of the Earth’ published the results of a survey named the, “Happy Planet Index”. This index studied data on levels of happiness, life expectancy and Ecological Footprint. The surveyors collated the information and concluded that the populace of Vanuatu was the worlds’ “most ecologically efficient country in achieving high wellbeing”.
Vanuatu is a tropical paradise and so much more.
Here are some things to do when visiting wonderful Vanuatu.
Vanuatu abounds with natural attractions from sparkling tropical beaches and luxurious accommodation, through to crystal clear lagoons, active volcanoes, and a wide range of outdoor activities. Whether it’s simple relaxation in a tropical paradise, exciting outdoor adventures, or exploring a wonderful underwater world, Vanuatu has something for everyone.
"Blue Holes” is the name given to fresh water lagoons that are commonly found on the islands of Vanuatu. Some of these lagoons are easily accessible while others you have to trek through the jungle to get to. The “Blue Holes” are beautiful destinations where you can dive and swim while surrounded by tropical jungle vegetation.
Millennium Cave is the largest cave in all of Vanuatu, offering breathtaking, unparalleled scenery. Millennium Cave is comparatively isolated and difficult to get to but the end result is definitely worth the effort.
The cave is on the island of Espiritu Santo and organized cave tours can be booked in the city of Luganville. From Luganville you travel to a village named Funaspef and from there it’s a 90 minute hike along jungle trails to reach the cave. This is not an easy trek but the experience is made more than worthwhile, upon reaching your destination.
Upon arrival you can explore the ancient cave and then enjoy a relaxing swim in the crystal clear fresh water lagoon. A trip to Millennium Cave is your classic jungle adventure and a definite ‘must do’ for visitors to Vanuatu.
Back in the eighties there was a popular saying, “life’s a beach” and this saying is nowhere more apt, than in Vanuatu. Here in Vanuatu you will find idyllic sparkling white sand beaches together with golden sand beaches and long, isolated, black sand beaches pounded by rolling breakers of the Pacific.
Vanuatu is one of the few countries in the world where you can find beautiful pristine beaches with no crowds, and white, golden and black sand.
Champagne Beach Vanuatu
For most people visiting and viewing an active volcano is a once in a lifetime, bucket list experience. Here in Vanuatu we can help you experience the ultimate active volcano viewing.
The best known and most accessible active volcano is Mount Yasur on the island of Tanna. A visit to Mount Yasur involves driving up to one of the volcanoes highest parts then a ten minute hike to the best viewing spots.
There are a number of companies that offer Mount Yasur tours and these include expert guides who will show you the best and safest viewing spots.
A second option is to enjoy a scenic flight over Mount Yasur and surrounding environment. These are helicopter flights and they offer truly spectacular views of this active volcano.
Imagine a beautiful waterfall cascading 35 meters into a delightful tropical pool. Imagine all of this in a totally unspoiled, lush tropical jungle setting. Now make imagination reality with a visit to Mele Cascades.
Mele cascades are situated on the island of Efate. They are composed of a series of mountain pools that flow into a pool above the falls and then plunge down in a torrential and spectacular cascade of water.
When it comes to bush walking and hiking, Vanuatu is the perfect destination. In Vanuatu there are bush walks and hikes for all levels of fitness Enjoy a leisurely stroll along a jungle path or engage in a more challenging hike to a splendid cascading waterfall.
There are a series of Eco-tourism companies that offer guided bushwalks and hikes. The experienced guides are familiar with all the trails, vegetation and the history. In fact if asked they will give you a very informative and educational commentary while walking.
For the most part the tour companies are situated in Port Villa the capital city, and they can arrange tours to just about anywhere in Vanuatu.
For those with a sense of adventure Vanuatu has some of the most spectacular jungle hikes in the world.
‘Adrenalin junkies’ all over the world rave about the rush caused by Bungee jumping. This is a sport associated with New Zealand but the truth is, it was first invented in Vanuatu.
Bungee jumping is a relatively new sport first becoming globally popular in the late 20th Century. Many people have attributed this sport to having originated in New Zealand, but in reality, the people of Pentecost Island in Vanuatu have been practicing a form of Bungee jumping, for over 300 years.
In Vanuatu it is referred to as Nangool and it involves young men jumping from high towers with vines secured to their ankles. Nangool is used by young males to demonstrate their bravery and completion of a jump, marks the transition from boyhood into manhood.
Unlike Bungee jumping, Nangool jumpers actually make contact with the ground but the impact vibrations are mostly absorbed by the vines.
Vanuatu is breathtakingly wild as it is beautiful, and one of the best ways to experience both these aspects is by taking a Zip-Line and Suspension Bridge tour. Now you can gaze in wonder as you zip across the jungle canopy and gaping caverns, or drink in the scenic beauty suspended in midair, hundreds of feet above the ground.
There are several tour companies which offer Zip-line and suspension bridge tours. These companies are based in the capital Port Vila and traditionally leave from Port Villa twice a day. The tours leave a normally take 3 hours and depart from Port Vila at 10 AM & and 1 PM respectively.
No trip to Vanuatu is complete without a visit to bustling Port Vila market. Buying, selling and trading, is central to just about every culture that ever existed, and the best way to get a glimpse of daily life in Vanuatu, is to visit the Port Vila market.
The markets are almost like a microcosm of daily life and here in this tropical marketplace you will find fresh tropical fruits, exotic plants, colorful material, meats, staple vegetable food stuffs, handicrafts, wood carvings, colorful handmade umbrellas and a host of other goods. A visit to Port Vila markets is truly a fun experience and a revealing glimpse at Vanuatu culture.
Vanuatu is without a doubt one of the worlds’ very best diving locations. Spectacular reef diving teeming with pristine coral and fish, mysterious wreck diving, majestic underwater volcanoes, ocean walking, or just leisurely snorkeling, Vanuatu offers it all.
Tourism in Vanuatu THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Vanuatu - 2021 (with Photos) - Tripadvisor
