Immigrating to Vanuatu: What is it like? This is the question most clients ask when they first learn about the Vanuatu immigration program. Vanuatu was named the happiest country in the world twice, in 2006 and 2010. This shows that the international community has begun to pay attention to and recognize the "Melanesian" concept of happiness represented by Vanuatu. So, what is it really like to immigrate to Vanuatu? Please see the analysis below.
Abundant Resources and Leisurely Life
Vanuatu is located between 15 and 20 degrees south latitude and has a tropical oceanic climate. There is no extreme cold or heat, with abundant rainfall throughout the year, lush vegetation, and rich marine resources. When hungry, one can easily pick tropical fruits such as bananas, avocados, mangoes, papayas, pineapples, passion fruit, and breadfruit to eat, or enjoy the national dish "Lap Lap," made by wrapping taro, yams, sweet potatoes, and bananas in leaves and roasting them with stones. When thirsty, one can scoop up mountain spring water or drink a sip of coconut juice, which is equally cool and refreshing.
Beautiful Environment and Joyful Heart
Vanuatu is close to the world's largest coral sea and is free from modern industrial pollution. The seawater is clear and blue, with more than 300 species of coral competing in beauty and over 450 species of marine fish swimming among them, forming a vibrant underwater world. On land, there are dense forests, swaying coconut trees, birds singing and flowers fragrant, as well as natural wonders such as Champagne Beach, known as the "most beautiful beach in the South Pacific," and Mount Yasur, the "world's most accessible active volcano." Clear water, blue sky, green islands, and white sails resemble a fairyland, surpassing Penglai, and matching people's imagination of a paradise. Facing such a pure and beautiful natural environment, even the most restless heart will slowly calm down, and even the heaviest footsteps will become light.
Traditional Economy with Little Emphasis on Money
Vanuatu is far from the hustle and bustle of the world, and most of the population is engaged in a natural economy. Many foods in Vanuatu are readily available, medical fees are extremely low, and primary education is basically free. For the general public, the traditional barter economy is far more important than the monetary economy. Therefore, the people of Vanuatu have low material desires and take money very lightly. They never haggle when buying things, merchants do not force sales, and they despise the act of making quick money at the expense of the environment.
Colorful Culture and Harmony in Diversity
Vanuatu has a population of only 240,000, yet it has more than 100 tribes and over 100 languages, making it one of the most culturally diverse countries on Earth. Although the cultures of each island are different, they are inclusive and nourish each other. Vanuatu regularly holds traditional art festivals, focusing on carrying forward traditional skills such as sand drawing, wood carving, and weaving, so that culture, traditions, customs, and values are well inherited. Whether they are rural folks or urbanites, the people of Vanuatu are immersed in a rich traditional cultural atmosphere. Although their material life is simple, their spiritual world is very rich, which is awe-inspiring.
Inclusive and Harmonious Diverse Society
Vanuatu has experienced a leapfrog development from the Stone Age to the Information Age. It broke free from the Anglo-French Condominium in 1980 to become a nationally independent country. It is now a member of both the Commonwealth of Nations and the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie, with English, French, and Bislama as official languages. Indigenous Melanesian culture, Western cultures from the US, France, UK, Australia, and New Zealand, and Asian cultures from China and Vietnam are organically integrated here. Different religions have taken root here through various channels, and different religious organizations are orderly and do not exclude each other. The above factors form the special social form of Vanuatu's "Melanesian values + Christian principles + democratic socialism," and also shape the frank, simple, open-minded, and inclusive national character of the people of Vanuatu. No matter where you come from or where you are going, no matter if you are rich or poor, as long as you are in Vanuatu, what you feel is always bright smiles, warm greetings, and sincere blessings. Many people are moved by this warmth that makes them feel at home, stop and stay, are reluctant to leave, and pass on this sense of happiness in various ways.
Vanuatu's beautiful environment is a gift from nature, and it is also the result of the Vanuatu people's best efforts and persistent protection of the environment. Although Vanuatu is rated by the United Nations as one of the "least developed countries" in the world, the people's environmental awareness is very strong. The "Clean Vanuatu" campaign advocated by the government has received widespread support from the public. Every Saturday, many primary and secondary school students and ordinary people take to the streets, carrying yellow garbage bags distributed by the government, to pick up trash on roadsides, in parks, and other public places. Members of Parliament and municipal officials lead by example and participate in person, and local businesses are not to be outdone, providing various material rewards to citizens who perform well.