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Country Fact File : Vanuatu
Volunteer with Turtles and Community Development in Vanuatu
The Republic of Vanuatu, pronounced ‘van-wah-too’ was formally known as the New Hebrides as it reminded the explorer James Cook of the Scottish coastline.
Vanuatu has a relaxed way of life and the population spread across 83 islands vary in their art and traditions. Carvings, paintings, music, dress, dance and ceremonies allow the locals to act out traditional themes and pass on stories to future generations.
There is much to do in Vanuatu so make the most of the diving, snorkeling, hiking and kayaking. You can hike through jungle or up volcanoes and dive on the largest World War II wreck.
| Location | Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to Australia |
| Area | 12,200 sq km note: includes more than 80 islands, about 65 of which are inhabited |
| 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 |
| Terrain | Mostly mountainous islands of volcanic origin; narrow coastal plains |
| Highest Point | Tabwemasana 1,877 m |
| Natural Hazards | Tropical cyclones or typhoons (January to April); volcanic eruption on Aoba (Ambae) island began 27 November 2005, volcanism also causes minor earthquakes; tsunamis |
| Environmental Issues | A majority of the population does not have access to a reliable supply of potable water; deforestation |
| Population | 208,869 (July 2006 est.) |
| Ethnic Groups | Ni-Vanuatu 98.5%, other 1.5% (1999 Census) |
| Religions | Presbyterian 31.4%, Anglican 13.4%, Roman Catholic 13.1%, Seventh-Day Adventist 10.8%, other Christian 13.8%, indigenous beliefs 5.6% (including Jon Frum cargo cult), other 9.6%, none 1%, unspecified 1.3% |
| Languages | Local languages (more than 100) 72.6%, pidgin (known as Bislama or Bichelama) 23.1%, English 1.9%, French 1.4%, other 0.3%, unspecified 0.7% |
| Capital | Port-Vila (on Efate) |
| Independence Day | 30 July 1980 (from France and UK) |
| Currency | vatu (VUV) |
| Time | GMT +11 |
Did you know?
The ninth season of the reality TV series Survivor was filmed on Vanuatu
In 2006 the New Economics Foundation and Friend Of The Earth environmentalist group rated Vanuatu as the happiest place to live of 178 nations all over the world.
Wealth is established by how much one can give away (especially pigs, which are considered a symbol of wealth throughout Vanuatu).
On Pentecost Island during April and May visitors can see men performing the ritual leap (Naghol) to ensure a bountiful yam harvest; they tie vines to their ankles and leap from a 30m (100ft) tower, falling head first.
Useful Numbers & Web Addresses
International dialing code: +678
British Embassy in South Pacific: British High Commission, Victoria House, 47 Gladstone Road, PO Box 1355, Suva, Fiji - (679) 3229100
01727 250250
Duration and Costs
| Duration | Cost |
|---|---|
| 4 Weeks | £1160 |
| 8 Weeks | £1620 |
| 12 Weeks | £2080 |
| Group Size |
|---|
| Minimum four, maximum seven. |
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