FACTS ABOUT VANUATU

AMAZING FACTS ABOUT VANUATU

1.                 Vanuatu is officially known as the “Republic of Vanuatu”

2.                 Port Vila is the capital city of Vanuatu.

3.                 The total population of Vanuatu is 270,402.

4.                 The natives of Vanuatu are called Ni-Vanuatu.

5.                 The Vanuatu vatu (VUV) is official currency of Vanuatu.

6.                 Vanuatu is an island country located in the southern Pacific Ocean.

7.                 Vanuatu has 3 official languages: Bislama, English and French.

8.                 It is the 157^th largest country in the world in terms of land area.

9.                 Vanuatu is an archipelago of made up of 83 small islands of which around 65 are inhabited.

10.            The major islands include Espiritu Santo, the country’s largest island, followed by Malakula, Efate, Erromango, Ambrym, and Tanna.

11.            The country comprises six provinces: Malampa, Penama, Sanma, Shefa, Tafea and Torba.

12.            Port Vila is the capital and largest city of Vanuatu and is located on the island of Efate. It is Vanuatu’s most important harbour and the center of the country’s trade. The international airport, Bauerfield International is also located in the city.

13.            Vanuatu is a mountainous archipelago of volcanic origin with narrow coastal plains.

14.            Mount Tabwemasana is the highest mountain in Vanuatu at 1,879 meters (6,165 feet) above sea level.

15.            The coastline of the islands total 2,528 kilometers (1,571 miles) in length.

16.            Vanuatu beaches are renowned for their soft white sand, golden sun kissed glow, fascinating coral deposits and sparkling turquoise waters ideal for snorkelling and swimming.

17.            Mele Cascades is popular and photogenic swimming spot about 10 kilometers (6 miles) from Port Vila. A series of clear aquamarine pools terrace up the hillside, culminating in an impressive 35 meters (115 feet) waterfall flowing into a natural plunge pool. A slippery path with guide ropes directs you to the top.

18.            Mount Yasur located on Tanna Island is perhaps one of the most famous Vanuatu attractions. It is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, erupting at least for several centuries.

19.            The famous "Millennium Cave" is located at Espiritu Santo island, Vanuatu.

20.            Vanuatu’s name is derived from the word vanua (“land” or “home”), which occurs in several Austronesian languages, and the word tu (“stand”). Together the two words indicated the independent status of the new country.

21.            Wildlife includes the native flying foxes, land and sea birds (more than 100 species), dolphins, whales and sea turtles and dugongs (sea cows).

22.            There are also more than 4,000 species of marine molluscs and a large diversity of marine fishes.

23.            The islands are subject to devastating cyclones (hurricanes). The most destructive one ever (in 1987) damaged or ruined most of the local dwellings.

24.            The ancient practice of land-diving (bungee jumping) originated on Pentecost Island, Vanuatu.

25.            The waters around Vanuatu are shark-infested.

26.            Vanuatu Exports: copra, beef, cocoa, timber, kava and coffee.

27.            Vanuatu Imports: machinery and equipment, foodstuffs and fuels.

28.            The internet country code for Vanuatu is .vu