Immigrate to Vanuatu and learn about life in Vanuatu: The Republic of Vanuatu, also referred to in some sources as the Republic of Vanu-atu, is situated in the western South Pacific Ocean within the Melanesian archipelago. It consists of 83 islands (68 of which are inhabited). The largest island is Espiritu Santo (covering 3,974 square kilometers). The country has a tropical marine climate with an average annual rainfall of 1,600 millimeters.
Vanuatu is rich in tourism resources and is renowned as a diving paradise. Visitors can view an active volcano on Tanna Island, and Pentecost Island is the birthplace of modern bungee jumping. The country has a total land area of 12,281 square kilometers and a territorial water area of 848,000 square kilometers. Vanuatu gained independence on July 30, 1980; the name of the country means "our land."
The population is approximately 234,000, with Melanesians accounting for 98%. The remainder consists of French and British descendants, Vietnamese and Polynesian immigrants, and people from other nearby island nations. The capital is Port Vila, with a population of approximately 40,000.
Vanuatu's Ministry of Justice, Culture, Women and Religion is the highest governing body for cultural affairs, with its cultural work led by the "National Culture Council" appointed by the ministry.
The Vanuatu Cultural Centre is the specific organization responsible for carrying out cultural activities, overseeing the National Museum, National Library, National Sites Registry, and the National Film and Sound Archives. Primary arts organizations include the Vanuatu Nasviru Musik Asosiesen and the Vila Amateur Theatrical Society.
Vanuatu implements free primary education. In 1995, the primary school enrollment rate for 6-year-olds reached 95%. However, the secondary school enrollment rate is very low. Most secondary schools in the country are junior high schools (grades 7 to 10). There are about 10 secondary schools that offer high school levels (grades 11 to 13). Vanuatu also has vocational schools including agricultural schools, nursing schools, police schools, and the Vila City College, which is equivalent to the high school level. There are two specialized secondary schools: a teachers' college and a technical training school. The University of the South Pacific's Law School (a branch campus) is located in Port Vila.
Key newspapers and periodicals in Vanuatu include: the Daily Post (private, published in English every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, with a circulation of approximately 3,000-5,000 copies) and the Independent (private, published on Saturdays in English and French; established in 2003).
The Vanuatu Broadcasting and Television Corporation is the official news agency, owning Radio Vanuatu and TV Belong Vanuatu. The radio station was established in 1966 and broadcasts news and arts programs three times daily—morning, noon, and evening—in Bislama, English, and French, while also relaying news programs from the BBC, Radio France Internationale, and Radio Australia. The television station was established in 1993 and broadcasts 3-4 hours of programming daily, mostly featuring French, British, and Australian arts programs, in addition to a small amount of locally produced content.
Vanuatu Statutory Holidays (14 days in total)
January 1: New Year's Day
February 21: Father Lini Day
March 5: Custom Chief's Day
March 21: Good Friday
March 24: Easter Monday
May 1: Labour Day
May 17: Ascension Day
July 24: Children's Day
July 30: Independence Day
August 15: Assumption Day
October 6: Constitution Day
November 29: Unity Day
December 25: Christmas Day
December 26: Family Day