Country Profile: Vanuatu

Vanuatu is an archipelago in the South Pacific, consisting of around 80 islands, with a diverse geography dominated by mountainous terrain of volcanic origin. The population, estimated at approximately 318,007 in 2024, predominantly identifies as Ni-Vanuatu and speaks over 100 indigenous languages, with Bislama, English, and French as the official languages. Economically, Vanuatu is classified as a lower-middle-income country, heavily reliant on subsistence agriculture and tourism, while experiencing challenges such as inflation and post-pandemic recovery. Its governance takes the form of a parliamentary republic with a rich history shaped by colonial experiences and a commitment to cultural representation.

Geography

Vanuatu is located in Oceania, approximately three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to Australia, comprising more than 80 islands, with about 65 inhabited. The climate is tropical, significantly influenced by southeast trade winds and prone to cyclones, particularly from December to April. The islands are mostly mountainous, with the highest point being Tabwemasana at 1,877 meters.

12,189 sq km: Total land area
2,528 km: Total coastline
74.8%: Forested land (2023)
15.3%: Agricultural land (2023)
3: Major urban centers -- Port-Vila, Lugenville, and the largest islands: Espiritu Santo, Malakula, and Efate
200 nm: Exclusive economic zone

People and Society

Vanuatu's population is approximately 318,007, with a median age of 24.9 years as of 2025. The ethnic composition is predominantly Ni-Vanuatu, and the society is characterized by a rich tapestry of over 100 indigenous languages, with Bislama being widely used. The country has a relatively low literacy rate at 88% and a significant number of people living in rural areas.

31.1%: Population aged 0-14 years (2024)
5%: Population aged 65 years and over (2024 est.)
20.36: Birth rate per 1,000 population (2025)
75.7 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024)
1.51%: Population growth rate (2025)
68.6%: Married women (ages 15-49) (2020)
39.9%: Protestant population (2020)

Economy

The economy of Vanuatu is a lower-middle-income system where subsistence agriculture and tourism play critical roles. The country has faced economic challenges post-COVID-19 and following natural disasters, but it continues to show resilience with a projected GDP growth of 4% in 2024. Additionally, it faces inflation, with a rate of 11.2% reported in 2023.

$1.039 billion: Estimated real GDP (2024)
24.9%: Contribution of agriculture to GDP (2022)
5.1%: Unemployment rate (2024)
15.9%: Population living below the poverty line (2019)
$612 million: Reserves of foreign exchange and gold (2024)
$152.1 million: Total exports (2022)
3: Major export partners include Thailand (49%) and Japan (19%) (2023)

Government

Vanuatu is a parliamentary republic with a mixed legal system incorporating English common law, French law, and customary law. The capital, Port-Vila, serves as the seat of government, and the country has six administrative provinces. Vanuatu celebrates its independence from France and the UK on July 30, 1980, and governance has historically been influenced by linguistic divisions.

President: Nikenike VUROBARAVU (since July 23, 2022)
Prime Minister: Jotham NAPAT (since February 11, 2025)
52: Seats in the unicameral Parliament
18 years: Minimum voting age
1.9%: Percentage of women in the Parliament (2024)

Military and Security

Vanuatu maintains no regular military forces but relies on the Vanuatu Police Force (VPF), which includes a paramilitary unit. The police force has historical ties to British and French security forces and has evolved into a local entity since independence, focusing on internal security and maritime responsibilities.

0: Number of regular military forces
28: Total police officers with external security responsibilities (estimated)
1: Major maritime agreements with the US for joint operations

Energy

Vanuatu's energy landscape is largely reliant on imported fossil fuels, with a growing emphasis on renewable sources. Electricity access remains a challenge, particularly in rural areas where only 60.7% of the population is electrified.

70%: Total electrification rate (2022 est.)
39,000 kW: Installed electricity generation capacity (2023)
12.934 million Btu: Per capita energy consumption (2023)
74.9%: Fossil fuels contribution to electricity generation (2023)

Transportation

Vanuatu has a diverse transportation system, including air and maritime services essential for connecting its numerous islands. The country hosts 31 airports, facilitating both domestic and international travel.

31: Total airports (2025)
338: Merchant marine vessels (2023)
3: Total ports utilized for maritime activity (2024)

Communications

Telecommunications in Vanuatu are developing, with an increasing number of mobile cellular subscriptions and internet access. However, fixed-line subscriptions remain limited.

256,000: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2022)
46%: Internet users as a percentage of the population (2023)
1: State-owned TV station and multiple radio broadcasters

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	318,007	Estimated population for 2024
Area	12,189 sq km	Total land area
GDP (PPP)	$1.039 billion	Estimated for 2024
Unemployment rate	5.1%	Estimated for 2024
Birth rate	20.36 births/1,000	Estimated for 2025
Life expectancy at birth	75.7 years	Estimated for 2024
Total electrification rate	70%	Estimated for 2022
Youth unemployment rate (15-24 years)	11.6%	Estimated for 2024
Literacy rate	88%	Estimated for 2023
Urban population	26%	Percentage of total population (2023)