Vanuatu
Capital
Port Vila
Population
~315,000
Currency
Vanuatu Vatu (VUV)
Quick Facts
- Languages
- Bislama, English, French
- Religion
- Predominantly Christian (various denominations), traditional beliefs influential
- Climate
- Tropical maritime; hot, rainy season Nov-Apr
Culture & History
Known for: its active volcanic islands, being ranked high on the Happy Planet Index, and the unique land diving ritual (naghol) on Pentecost Island (inspiration for bungee jumping)
Also famous for: Strong kastom (traditional culture), over 100 indigenous languages, vulnerability to natural disasters (cyclones, earthquakes)
Food: Laplap (root vegetable pudding), Simboro (stuffed cabbage rolls), Coconut Crab
Brief History
Jointly ruled by Britain and France (New Hebrides Condominium), independence 1980