The Republic of Vanuatu, located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean and part of the Melanesian archipelago, consists of 83 islands (68 of which are inhabited). The largest island is Santo (with an area of 3,974 square kilometers), characterized by a tropical maritime climate and an average annual rainfall of 1,600 millimeters. Vanuatu has a total land area of 12,281 square kilometers and a water area of 848,000 square kilometers. Vanuatu gained independence on July 30, 1980, and its name means "our land." The population is approximately 234,000, with Melanesians making up 98%, and the remainder consisting of French, British, Vietnamese, Polynesian immigrants, and others from nearby islands. The capital is Port Vila, with a population of about 40,000. The official languages are English, French, and Bislama, with Bislama being the most widely spoken. Bislama is a creole language derived from English, French, and Spanish. 84% of the population practices Christianity. Vanuatu is rich in tourism resources and is known as a diving paradise, with Tanna Island featuring an accessible active volcano, and Pentecost Island being the birthplace of modern bungee jumping. It is classified as one of the least developed countries in the world, with an economy primarily based on agriculture and tourism, poor transportation and communication infrastructure, high living costs, a lack of raw materials, and high transportation and labor costs. The legal system is relatively sound, and the government encourages foreign investment.
According to reports from foreign media on August 11, 2010, the United States Geological Survey reported that a magnitude 6.0 earthquake occurred in the Pacific island nation of Vanuatu at 2:35 AM local time, with the epicenter located 75 kilometers west of Port Vila and a depth of 41 kilometers. No tsunami warning has been issued.
According to the United States Geological Survey Earthquake Information Network, a magnitude 7.0 earthquake occurred in Vanuatu at 6:55 AM Beijing time on September 4, 2011.