Country Profile: Vanuatu
Vanuatu is an island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean, consisting of over 80 islands, with the most significant population centers on Espiritu Santo, Malakula, and Efate. The country's population is approximately 318,000, primarily comprised of indigenous Ni-Vanuatu people. Economically, Vanuatu relies heavily on subsistence agriculture and tourism, facing challenges such as environmental fragility and the impact of natural disasters. Governed as a parliamentary republic, the country has experienced political instability since its independence from France and the UK in 1980, with frequent changes in leadership.
Geography
Vanuatu is situated in Oceania, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to Australia, characterized by a Y-shaped chain of islands. The country has a total area of 12,189 square kilometers and features mostly mountainous terrain of volcanic origin, with a coastline measuring 2,528 kilometers.
- 12,189 sq km - Total land area
- 3 - Total ports (2024)
- 31 - Airports by 2025
- 200 nm - Exclusive economic zone
People and Society
The population of Vanuatu is approximately 318,007, with a youthful median age of 24.6 years. Ethnic composition is predominantly Ni-Vanuatu (99%), and the country is rich in linguistic diversity, with over 100 indigenous languages spoken. The nation has a literacy rate of 88%, and the predominant religions are Protestant and Roman Catholic.
- 39.9% - Percentage of Protestants (2020)
- 31.1% - Population aged 0-14 years
- 75.7 years - Life expectancy at birth (2024)
- 20.8 births/1,000 - Birth rate (2024)
Economy
Vanuatu's economy is classified as lower-middle income, relying heavily on subsistence agriculture and tourism. The country is currently recovering from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and recent natural disasters. The GDP stands at approximately $1.161 billion as of 2024, with agriculture and services being key sectors.
- $1.039 billion - Real GDP (PPP) in 2024
- 5.1% - Unemployment rate (2024)
- 24.9% - Agriculture sector contribution to GDP (2022)
- 11.2% - Contribution of hydroelectricity to installed capacity (2023)
Government
Vanuatu is a parliamentary republic with a mixed legal system influenced by both English common law and French law. The government consists of a president, currently Nikenike Vurobaravu, and a prime minister, Jotham Napat. The nation has frequent political shifts and a diverse party system.
- 6 - Administrative provinces
- 52 - Seats in Parliament
- 18 years - Minimum voting age
- 30 July 1980 - Independence from France and the UK
Military and Security
Vanuatu does not maintain regular military forces but relies on the Vanuatu Police Force, which includes paramilitary units. The country has developed security partnerships with Australia, China, and the US, focusing on maritime security and law enforcement.
- 0 - Regular military forces
- 1 - Vanuatu Mobile Force with external security responsibilities
- 2025 - Year of planned updates to police force
Energy
Electricity access in Vanuatu is approximately 70%, with rural areas having lower access at 60.7%. The country's energy generation is primarily dependent on fossil fuels, though there is a growing commitment to renewables.
- 39,000 kW - Installed electricity generating capacity (2023)
- 74.9% - Fossil fuels share of total installed capacity (2023)
- 2,000 bbl/day - Refined petroleum consumption (2023)
Environment
Vanuatu faces several environmental challenges, including water pollution, limited potable water, and deforestation. The tropical climate is moderated by trade winds, but the country is vulnerable to cyclones and volcanic activity.
- 74.8% - Forested land (2023)
- 292,000 metric tonnes - CO2 emissions (2023)
- 10 billion cubic meters - Total renewable water resources (2022)
Transportation
Vanuatu's transportation infrastructure includes 31 airports and a merchant marine fleet comprised of various types of vessels. Key ports include Forari Bay, Luganville, and Port Vila.
- 3 - Total ports (2024)
- 338 - Merchant marine vessels (2023)
- 31 - Airports by 2025
Communications
The country has made strides in communication, with a significant number of mobile cellular subscriptions. The internet penetration rate is growing, with 46% of the population using the internet.
- 256,000 - Mobile cellular subscriptions (2022)
- 46% - Internet users (2023)
- 4,000 - Fixed broadband subscriptions (2022)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 318,007 (2024 est.) | Total estimated population |
| Area | 12,189 sq km | Total land area |
| GDP (PPP) | $1.039 billion | Real GDP estimate for 2024 |
| Electricity access | 70% | Total population electrification |
| Birth rate | 20.8 births/1,000 | Birth rate estimate for 2024 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.1% | Unemployment rate for 2024 |
| Life expectancy at birth | 75.7 years | Life expectancy for 2024 |
| Literacy | 88% (2023 est.) | Total literacy rate |
| Forest coverage | 74.8% | Percentage of land covered by forest |
| CO2 emissions | 292,000 metric tonnes | Total CO2 emissions for 2023 |
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