Country Profile: Vanuatu

Vanuatu is an archipelago located in the South Pacific Ocean, composed of numerous islands with a total land area of 12,189 square kilometers. The total population is approximately 318,007 as of 2024, predominantly consisting of the Ni-Vanuatu ethnic group. The economy is classified as lower-middle income, heavily reliant on subsistence agriculture and tourism, facing challenges due to its environmental fragility and recovery from recent natural disasters. The governance system is a parliamentary republic, characterized by a complex political landscape and frequent changes in leadership.

Geography

Vanuatu is situated in Oceania, roughly three-quarters of the way between Hawaii and Australia. It consists of more than 80 islands, mostly of volcanic origin, characterized by mountainous terrain and narrow coastal plains. The country experiences a tropical climate, moderated by southeast trade winds, with a significant risk of cyclones and volcanic activity.

2,528 km of coastline
12,189 sq km total land area
Over 80 islands, with 65 inhabited
1,877 m highest point (Tabwemasana)
74.8% of land covered by forests (2023 est.)
3 main islands (Espiritu Santo, Malakula, Efate) host over half the population

People and Society

Vanuatu has a population of approximately 318,007 people, primarily of Ni-Vanuatu descent. The country is home to a rich tapestry of over 100 indigenous languages, with Bislama, English, and French as the official languages. The society is predominantly Protestant, with a variety of religious beliefs practiced, including traditional customs and Roman Catholicism.

99% Ni-Vanuatu ethnic group
31.1% of the population is aged 0-14 years
52% of urban population lives in Port-Vila (2018 est.)
75.7 years life expectancy at birth (2024 est.)
1.51% population growth rate (2025 est.)
88% literacy rate (2023 est.)

Economy

Vanuatu’s economy relies heavily on subsistence agriculture, tourism, and remittances, with a significant portion of GDP derived from these sectors. The country has been struggling with post-pandemic recovery and the economic impact of natural disasters. Inflation remains a concern, alongside public debt levels that are on the rise.

$1.039 billion GDP (PPP) (2024 est.)
4% GDP growth rate (2024 est.)
$3,200 GDP per capita (PPP) (2024 est.)
24.9% of GDP from agriculture (2022 est.)
5.1% unemployment rate (2024 est.)
15.9% of the population below the poverty line (2019 est.)

Government

Vanuatu is a parliamentary republic, with a unicameral legislature comprising 52 members elected directly by the populace. The President serves as the head of state, while the Prime Minister is the head of government. Frequent shifts in political leadership have characterized Vanuatu's governance since independence in 1980.

Republic of Vanuatu is the official name
Port-Vila is the capital city
18 years is the legal voting age
Nikenike VUROBARAVU is the current President (since 2022)
Jotham NAPAT is the Prime Minister (since 2025)
6 provinces (Malampa, Penama, Sanma, Shefa, Tafea, Torba)

Military and Security

Vanuatu does not maintain regular military forces but relies on the Vanuatu Police Force (VPF) for internal security. The VPF includes a paramilitary unit and has received support and training from various international partners.

No regular military forces; relies on the Vanuatu Police Force
Vanuatu Mobile Force provides paramilitary support
Shiprider agreement with the US for maritime law enforcement
Vanuatu has a history of British and French police unification post-independence
Training support received from Australia, China, New Zealand, and the US

Energy

Electricity access in Vanuatu is moderate, with a significant disparity between urban and rural areas. The country's energy generation is largely dependent on fossil fuels, but there is also a growing contribution from renewable sources.

70% of the population has access to electricity (2022 est.)
39,000 kW total installed electricity generating capacity (2023 est.)
12.934 million Btu energy consumption per capita (2023 est.)
74.9% of energy production from fossil fuels (2023 est.)

Communications

Vanuatu has a developing communications infrastructure, with a rising number of mobile subscriptions and internet users. The country is served by a state-owned TV station and various radio broadcasts.

256,000 mobile cellular subscriptions (2022 est.)
46% internet user rate (2023 est.)
3,000 fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2022 est.)
4,000 fixed broadband subscriptions (2022 est.)

Transportation

Vanuatu has a number of transportation options, including several airports catering to domestic and international flights. The merchant marine is prominent, supporting both local and international trade via maritime routes.

31 airports (2025)
338 vessels in the merchant marine (2023)
3 main ports (Port Vila, Luganville, Forari Bay)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	318,007	2024 estimate
Area	12,189 sq km	Total land area
GDP (PPP)	$1.039 billion	2024 estimate
GDP per capita (PPP)	$3,200	2024 estimate
Unemployment rate	5.1%	2024 estimate
Life expectancy at birth	75.7 years	2024 estimate
Literacy rate	88%	2023 estimate
Electricity access	70%	2022 estimate
Inflation rate	11.2%	2023 estimate
Percentage of population below poverty	15.9%	2019 estimate