Country Profile: Vanuatu

Vanuatu is an island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean, consisting of more than 80 islands, 65 of which are inhabited. The country has a population of approximately 318,000 (2024 est.), predominantly of Austronesian descent. Economically, Vanuatu is classified as a lower-middle-income nation, heavily reliant on tourism and subsistence agriculture while facing challenges such as inflation and recovery from natural disasters. Its governance is structured as a parliamentary republic, characterized by a history of political fragmentation and coalition governments.

Geography

Vanuatu is a Y-shaped chain of islands situated about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to Australia. The country is known for its mountainous terrain and is largely volcanic in origin. The climate is tropical, moderated by trade winds, with significant rainfall and susceptibility to cyclones.

Total area: 12,189 sq km
Coastline: 2,528 km
Highest point: Tabwemasana at 1,877 m
Natural resources: Manganese, hardwood forests, fish
Climate hazards: Tropical cyclones (December to April), volcanic eruptions

People and Society

Vanuatu's population stands at 318,007 (2024 est.), with the majority being Ni-Vanuatu people. There are over 100 indigenous languages spoken, with Bislama, English, and French recognized as official languages. The society is predominantly Protestant, and while literacy rates have improved, access to quality healthcare and education remains uneven across rural and urban areas.

Urban population: 26% of total population (2023)
Median age: 24.9 years (2025 est.)
Life expectancy: 75.7 years (2024 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 13.4 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
Population growth rate: 1.51% (2025 est.)

Economy

Vanuatu has a lower-middle-income economy highly reliant on agriculture and tourism. The economic landscape has been impacted by recent pandemic recovery and inflation. The service sector constitutes a significant portion of the GDP, and the country is working towards expanding its industrial capacity.

GDP (PPP): $1.039 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP growth rate: 4% (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate: 5.1% (2024 est.)
Exports: $152.087 million (2022 est.)
Remittances: 12.9% of GDP (2023 est.)

Government

Vanuatu operates as a parliamentary republic, with a legal system based on a mixed framework of English and French law. The President serves as the head of state, while the Prime Minister is the head of government. The country has seen political instability with numerous changes in leadership, particularly through no-confidence motions.

Capital: Port-Vila
Elections: Last held on 23 July 2022
Number of parliamentary seats: 52 (all directly elected)
Suffrage: Universal at 18 years
Next election expected: 2027

Military and Security

Vanuatu does not maintain regular military forces and relies on the Vanuatu Police Force (VPF) for security. The VPF includes a paramilitary unit and collaborates with various nations for training and support.

Police force established: 1980
External security responsibilities: Vanuatu Mobile Force (VMF)
Training partnerships: Australia, China, New Zealand, United States
"Shiprider" agreement: With the US for maritime law enforcement

Energy

Vanuatu's energy sector is characterized by a mix of sources, with a significant reliance on fossil fuels. The country faces challenges in electrification, especially in rural areas.

Electricity access: 70% of total population (2022 est.)
Installed generating capacity: 39,000 kW (2023 est.)
Total energy consumption per capita: 12.934 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Petroleum consumption: 2,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Solar and hydroelectric contributions: 19.9% of total installed capacity

Environment

Environmental issues in Vanuatu include water pollution, deforestation, and inadequate sanitation. The nation is committed to various international environmental agreements aimed at combating climate change and protecting biodiversity.

Forest coverage: 74.8% (2023 est.)
Annual municipal solid waste generated: 70,200 tons (2024 est.)
Total renewable water resources: 10 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Participation in climate agreements: Includes the Paris Agreement and Biodiversity conventions

Transportation

Vanuatu possesses a network of 31 airports and a developing maritime sector with numerous small ports. The majority of transportation occurs via inter-island shipping and air travel.

Total airports: 31 (2025)
Merchant marine vessels: 338 (2023)
Total ports: 3, including key ports like Port Vila
Civil aircraft registration country code: YJ

Communications

The communications infrastructure in Vanuatu includes limited fixed-line services but a growing mobile market. The nation is improving internet access, although it still lags in broadband availability.

Mobile cellular subscriptions: 256,000 (2022 est.)
Internet users: 46% of the population (2023 est.)
Television and radio: 1 state-owned TV station, multiple radio broadcasters
Fixed broadband subscriptions: 4,000 (2022 est.)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	318,007	2024 est.
Area	12,189 sq km	Total land area
GDP (PPP)	$1.039 billion	2024 est.
Unemployment rate	5.1%	2024 est.
Life expectancy at birth	75.7 years	2024 est.
Birth rate	20.36 births/1,000	2025 est.
Electricity access	70%	2022 est.
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)	11.6%	2024 est.
Forest coverage	74.8%	2023 est.
Annual solid waste generated	70,200 tons	2024 est.