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Introduction: Vanuatu, formerly called the New Hebrides, forms an incomplete double chain of islands stretching north to southeast for some 560 miles. They are situated north east of Sydney, Australia, and 500 miles west of Fiji. Together with the Banks and Torres islands, the chains comprise about 40 mountainous islands and 40 islets and rocks.

Official Name: Republic of Vanuatu
Area: 12,200 sq km (4,710 sq miles)
Population: 199,414
Continent: Austrailia and Oceania
Density per square mile: 42
Capital City: Port Vila
Religions: Presbyterian 36.7%, Anglican 15%, Roman Catholic 15%, indigenous beliefs 7.6%, Seventh-Day Adventist 6.2%, Church of Christ 3.8%, other 15.7% (including Jon Frum Cargo cult)

Language: Three official languages: English, French, pidgin (known as Bislama or Bichelama), plus more than 100 local languages
Government: Republic

Currency: Vatu
GDP: $563 million
GDP Per Head: $2,900

Natural Resources: Manganese, hardwood forests, fish
Land Use: Arable Land 2.46%
Agriculture: Copra, coconuts, cocoa, coffee, taro, yams, coconuts, fruits, vegetables; fish, beef.
Industry: Food and fish freezing, wood processing, meat canning

Tourism: Did you know that Vanuatu invented Bungee Jumping! Well when you come to Vanuatu you will think that their beaches are the best in the world, and yes they probably are. The waters are so clear and that ocean blue that divers love it for fish, coral reefs and shipwrecks etc, their forests seem untouched, and the island is home to some extravagant bird life.

Natural Hazards: Tropical cyclones or typhoons (January to April); volcanism causes minor earthquakes; tsunamis
Health Risks: Tap water in urban areas is generally safe but not in rural areas. Visitors to the outer islands should take precautions for malaria. No vaccinations required.

Climate: Subtropical. Trade winds occur from May to October. Warm, humid and wet between November and April. Rain is moderate. Cyclones are possible between December and April. Temperatures range from 18 - 30 degrees celsius. Rainfall between 2 - 6 inches.

Time: GMT/UTC + 11 hours
National Days: July 30 - Independence Day

Visas: British passport holders and nationals of Commonwealth countries, the EU, Fiji, Japan, Norway, the Philippines, South Korea, South Africa, Switzerland and the USA do not require visas for stays of up to 30 days and are normally given permission to enter the country for up to 30 days on arrival, provided that they are in possession of an onward or return ticket. Airlines may refuse to carry a passenger who does not hold such a ticket.

British Embassy Details