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(opens in new window) The British and French, who settled the
New Hebrides in the 19th century, agreed in 1906 to an Anglo-French
Condominium, which administered the islands until independence in 1980. Oceania, group of islands in the South
Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to Australia
16 00 S, 167 00 E total: 12,200
sq km 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 mostly mountainous islands of volcanic
origin; narrow coastal plains lowest point:
Pacific Ocean 0 m manganese, hardwood forests, fish
arable land:
2.46% tropical cyclones or typhoons (January to
April); volcanism causes minor earthquakes; tsunamis a majority of the population does not have
access to a potable and reliable supply of water; deforestation a Y-shaped chain of four main islands and
80 smaller islands; several of the islands have active volcanoes
202,609 (July 2004 est.) indigenous Melanesian 98%, French,
Vietnamese, Chinese, other Pacific Islanders Presbyterian 36.7%, Anglican 15%, Roman
Catholic 15%, indigenous beliefs 7.6%, Seventh-Day Adventist 6.2%, Church of
Christ 3.8%, other 15.7% (including Jon Frum Cargo cult) three official languages: English, French,
pidgin (known as Bislama or Bichelama), plus more than 100 local languages
parliamentary republic Port-Vila (Efate) 6 provinces; Malampa, Penama, Sanma, Shefa,
Tafea, Torba 30 July 1980 (from France and UK)
unified system being created from former
dual French and British systems This South Pacific island economy is based
primarily on small-scale agriculture, which provides a living for 65% of the
population. Fishing, offshore financial services, and tourism, with about
50,000 visitors in 1997, are other mainstays of the economy. Mineral
deposits are negligible; the country has no known petroleum deposits. A
small light industry sector caters to the local market. Tax revenues come
mainly from import duties. Economic development is hindered by dependence on
relatively few commodity exports, vulnerability to natural disasters, and
long distances from main markets and between constituent islands. A severe
earthquake in November 1999 followed by a tsunami, caused extensive damage
to the northern island of Pentecote and left thousands homeless. Another
powerful earthquake in January 2002 caused extensive damage in the capital,
Port-Vila, and surrounding areas, and also was followed by a tsunami. GDP
growth rose less than 3% on average in the 1990s. In response to foreign
concerns, the government has promised to tighten regulation of its offshore
financial center. In mid-2002 the government stepped up efforts to boost
tourism. Agriculture, especially livestock farming, is a second target for
growth. Australia and New Zealand are the main suppliers of tourists and
foreign aid. Growth expanded moderately in 2003. agriculture 65%, industry 5%, services 30%
(2000 est.) revenues:
$94.4 million copra, coconuts, cocoa, coffee, taro,
yams, coconuts, fruits, vegetables; fish, beef food and fish freezing, wood processing,
meat canning copra, beef, cocoa, timber, kava, coffee
India 30.8%, Thailand 23.4%, Indonesia
9.3%, South Korea 9.3%, Japan 7.5% (2003 est.) machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, fuels
Australia 20.5%, Japan 14.3%, Singapore
9.9%, New Zealand 8.1%, Fiji 6.8%, India 5%, New Caledonia 5% (2003 est.)
vatu (VUV) 6,500 (2003) 7,800 (2003) general assessment:
NA total: 1,070
km Forari, Port-Vila, Santo (Espiritu Santo)
total: 51
ships (1,000 GRT or over) 1,192,474 GRT/1,560,828 DWT 30 (2003 est.) total: 3 total: 27 Matthew and Hunter Islands east of New
Caledonia claimed by Vanuatu and France |
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