Knelstrom Intelligence · World Factbook
Vanuatu
Republic of Vanuatu
CapitalPort Vila
Population335,169
GDP$1.4bn
Area12,190 km²
RegionEast Asia & Pacific
Data sources current · last checked September 20, 2026 2:11 am
Country facts
Overview
Background
Austronesian speakers from the Solomon Islands first settled Vanuatu around 2000 B.C. By around 1000, localized chieftain systems began to develop on the islands. Around 1600, Melanesian Chief ROI MATA united some of the islands of modern-day Vanuatu under his rule. In 1606, a Portuguese explorer was the first European to see Vanuatu's Banks Islands and Espiritu Santo, setting up a short-lived settlement on the latter. The next European explorers arrived in the 1760s, and the islands -- then known as the New Hebrides -- were frequented by whalers in the 1800s. European interest in harvesting the islands’ sandalwood trees caused conflict with the inhabitants. In the 1860s, European planters in Australia, Fiji, New Caledonia, and Samoa needed labor and kidnapped almost half the adult males on the islands to work as indentured servants.
With growing and overlapping interests in the islands, France and the UK agreed that the New Hebrides would be neutral in 1878 and established a joint naval commission in 1887. In 1906, the two countries created the UK-France condominium to jointly administer the islands, with separate laws, police forces, currencies, and education and health systems. The condominium arrangement was dysfunctional, and the UK used France’s initial defeat in World War II to assert greater control over the islands. During the war, the US stationed up to 50,000 soldiers in Vanuatu. In 1945, they withdrew and sold their equipment, leading to the rise of political and religious movements known as "cargo cults," such as the John Frum movement.
The UK-France condominium was reestablished after World War II. The UK was interested in moving the condominium toward independence in the 1960s, but France was hesitant. Political parties agitating for independence began to form, largely divided along linguistic lines. France eventually relented, and elections were held in 1974, with independence granted to the newly named Vanuatu in 1980 under English-speaking Prime Minister Walter LINI. The Nagriamel Movement, with support from French-speaking landowners, then declared the island of Espiritu Santo independent from Vanuatu, but the short-lived state was dissolved 12 weeks later. Linguistic divisions have lessened over time, but highly fractious political parties have led to weak coalition governments that require support from both Anglophone and Francophone parties. Since 2008, prime ministers have been ousted more than a dozen times through no-confidence motions or temporary procedural issues.
Reference: 2008, 2000, 1980, 1974With growing and overlapping interests in the islands, France and the UK agreed that the New Hebrides would be neutral in 1878 and established a joint naval commission in 1887. In 1906, the two countries created the UK-France condominium to jointly administer the islands, with separate laws, police forces, currencies, and education and health systems. The condominium arrangement was dysfunctional, and the UK used France’s initial defeat in World War II to assert greater control over the islands. During the war, the US stationed up to 50,000 soldiers in Vanuatu. In 1945, they withdrew and sold their equipment, leading to the rise of political and religious movements known as "cargo cults," such as the John Frum movement.
The UK-France condominium was reestablished after World War II. The UK was interested in moving the condominium toward independence in the 1960s, but France was hesitant. Political parties agitating for independence began to form, largely divided along linguistic lines. France eventually relented, and elections were held in 1974, with independence granted to the newly named Vanuatu in 1980 under English-speaking Prime Minister Walter LINI. The Nagriamel Movement, with support from French-speaking landowners, then declared the island of Espiritu Santo independent from Vanuatu, but the short-lived state was dissolved 12 weeks later. Linguistic divisions have lessened over time, but highly fractious political parties have led to weak coalition governments that require support from both Anglophone and Francophone parties. Since 2008, prime ministers have been ousted more than a dozen times through no-confidence motions or temporary procedural issues.
Geography
Location
Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to Australia
Map references
Oceania
Area
total: 12,189 sq km
land: 12,189 sq km
water: 0 sq km
note: note: includes more than 80 islands, about 65 of which are inhabited
land: 12,189 sq km
water: 0 sq km
note: note: includes more than 80 islands, about 65 of which are inhabited
Area - comparative
slightly larger than Connecticut
Land boundaries
total: 0 km
Coastline
2,528 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin
note: note: measured from claimed archipelagic baselines
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin
note: note: measured from claimed archipelagic baselines
Climate
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
Terrain
mostly mountainous islands of volcanic origin; narrow coastal plains
Elevation
highest point: Tabwemasana 1,877 m
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
Natural resources
manganese, hardwood forests, fish
Land use
agricultural land: 15.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 1.6% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 10.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 3.4% (2023 est.)
forest: 74.8% (2023 est.)
other: 9.8% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 1.6% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 10.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 3.4% (2023 est.)
forest: 74.8% (2023 est.)
other: 9.8% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
0 sq km (2022)
Reference: 2022Population distribution
three quarters of the population lives in rural areas; the urban populace lives primarily in two cities, Port-Vila and Lugenville; the three largest islands -- Espiritu Santo, Malakula, and Efate -- accommodate over half of the populace
Natural hazards
tropical cyclones (January to April); volcanic activity; volcanism also causes minor earthquakes; tsunamis
volcanism: significant volcanic activity with multiple eruptions in recent years; Yasur (361 m), one of the world's most active volcanoes, has experienced continuous activity in recent centuries; other historically active volcanoes include Aoba, Ambrym, Epi, Gaua, Kuwae, Lopevi, Suretamatai, and Traitor's Head
volcanism: significant volcanic activity with multiple eruptions in recent years; Yasur (361 m), one of the world's most active volcanoes, has experienced continuous activity in recent centuries; other historically active volcanoes include Aoba, Ambrym, Epi, Gaua, Kuwae, Lopevi, Suretamatai, and Traitor's Head
Geography - note
a Y-shaped chain of four main islands and 80 smaller islands; several of the islands have active volcanoes, including several underwater volcanoes
Population & Society
Nationality
noun: Ni-Vanuatu (singular and plural)
adjective: Ni-Vanuatu
adjective: Ni-Vanuatu
Ethnic groups
Ni-Vanuatu 99%, other 1% (European, Asian, other Melanesian, Polynesian, Micronesian, other) (2020 est.)
Reference: 2020Languages
indigenous languages (more than 100) 82.6%, Bislama (official; creole) 14.5%, English (official) 2.1%, French (official) 0.8% (2020 est.)
note: note: data represent first language spoken for population aged 3 years and above
Reference: 2020note: note: data represent first language spoken for population aged 3 years and above
Religions
Protestant 39.9% (Presbyterian 27.2%, Seventh Day Adventist 14.8%, Anglican 12%, Churches of Christ 5%, Assemblies of God 4.9%, Neil Thomas Ministry/Inner Life Ministry 3.2%), Roman Catholic 12.1%, Apostolic 2.3%, Church of Jesus Christ 1.8%, customary beliefs (including Jon Frum cargo cult) 3.1%, other 12%, none 1.4%, unspecified 0.1% (2020 est.)
Reference: 2020Age structure
0-14 years: 31.1% (male 50,584/female 48,475)
15-64 years: 63.8% (male 99,496/female 103,425)
65 years and over: 5% (2024 est.) (male 7,852/female 8,175)
Reference: 202415-64 years: 63.8% (male 99,496/female 103,425)
65 years and over: 5% (2024 est.) (male 7,852/female 8,175)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 56.7 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 48.8 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 7.9 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 12.7 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024youth dependency ratio: 48.8 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 7.9 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 12.7 (2024 est.)
Median age
total: 24.6 years (2024 est.)
male: 24.1 years
female: 25 years
Reference: 2024male: 24.1 years
female: 25 years
Population growth rate
1.55% (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Birth rate
20.8 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Death rate
4 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Population distribution
three quarters of the population lives in rural areas; the urban populace lives primarily in two cities, Port-Vila and Lugenville; the three largest islands -- Espiritu Santo, Malakula, and Efate -- accommodate over half of the populace
Major urban areas - population
53,000 PORT-VILA (capital) (2018)
Reference: 2018Sex ratio
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.96 male(s)/female
total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Reference: 20240-14 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.96 male(s)/female
total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio
100 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Gross reproduction rate
1.23 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Drinking water source
improved: urban: urban: 99.2% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 88.6% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 91.3% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0.8% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 11.4% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 8.7% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 88.6% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 91.3% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0.8% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 11.4% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 8.7% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 4.4% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 3.9% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 3.9% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
0.16 physicians/1,000 population (2019)
Reference: 2019Sanitation facility access
improved: urban: urban: 94% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 66.9% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 73.9% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 33.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 26.1% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 66.9% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 73.9% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 33.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 26.1% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
25.2% (2016)
Reference: 2016Alcohol consumption per capita
total: 1.6 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 0.34 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.39 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 0.87 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019beer: 0.34 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.39 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 0.87 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Tobacco use
total: 17.8% (2020 est.)
male: 33% (2020 est.)
female: 2.6% (2020 est.)
Reference: 2020male: 33% (2020 est.)
female: 2.6% (2020 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
69.2% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Migration & Displacement
Immigrant/emigrant stock measures the number of international migrants resident in, or originating from, the country; it is not the same as annual immigration/emigration flows.
Refugees and internally displaced persons
IDPs: 2,336 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Government & Politics
| Office | Holder | Affiliation | From | Status | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head of state | Nikenike Vurobaravu | — | 2022-07-23 | Current | Reported |
| Head of government | Bob Loughman | — | 2020-04-20 | Current | Reported |
Country name
conventional long form: Republic of Vanuatu
conventional short form: Vanuatu
local long form: Ripablik blong Vanuatu
local short form: Vanuatu
former: New Hebrides
etymology: the name means "Our land forever" in several of the Austronesian languages spoken on the islands; the former name, New Hebrides, was given by Captain James COOK in 1774 because he thought they looked similar to the Hebrides islands off the coast of Scotland
conventional short form: Vanuatu
local long form: Ripablik blong Vanuatu
local short form: Vanuatu
former: New Hebrides
etymology: the name means "Our land forever" in several of the Austronesian languages spoken on the islands; the former name, New Hebrides, was given by Captain James COOK in 1774 because he thought they looked similar to the Hebrides islands off the coast of Scotland
Government type
parliamentary republic
Capital
name: Port-Vila (on Efate)
geographic coordinates: 17 44 S, 168 19 E
time difference: UTC+11 (16 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: the local name of Vila is sometimes used alone for the the port town; its meaning is unknown
geographic coordinates: 17 44 S, 168 19 E
time difference: UTC+11 (16 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: the local name of Vila is sometimes used alone for the the port town; its meaning is unknown
Administrative divisions
6 provinces; Malampa, Penama, Sanma, Shefa, Tafea, Torba
Legal system
mixed system of English common law, French law, and customary law
Constitution
history: draft completed August 1979, finalized by constitution conference 19 September 1979, ratified by French and British Governments 23 October 1979, effective 30 July 1980 at independence
amendment process: proposed by the prime minister or by the Parliament membership; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote by Parliament in special session with at least three fourths of the membership; passage of amendments affecting the national and official languages, or the electoral and parliamentary system also requires approval in a referendum
Reference: 1980, 1979amendment process: proposed by the prime minister or by the Parliament membership; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote by Parliament in special session with at least three fourths of the membership; passage of amendments affecting the national and official languages, or the electoral and parliamentary system also requires approval in a referendum
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Citizenship
citizenship by birth: no
citizenship by descent only: both parents must be citizens of Vanuatu; in the case of only one parent, it must be the father who is a citizen
dual citizenship recognized: no
residency requirement for naturalization: 10 years
citizenship by descent only: both parents must be citizens of Vanuatu; in the case of only one parent, it must be the father who is a citizen
dual citizenship recognized: no
residency requirement for naturalization: 10 years
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch
chief of state: President Nikenike VUROBARAVU (since 23 July 2022)
head of government: Prime Minister Jotham NAPAT (since 11 February 2025)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister, responsible to Parliament
election/appointment process: president indirectly elected by an electoral college consisting of Parliament and presidents of the 6 provinces; national president serves a 5-year term; following legislative elections, the Parliament usually elects the leader of the majority party or majority coalition (who must also be a member of Parliament) as prime minister
most recent election date: 23 July 2022
election results: 2022: Nikenike VUROBARAVU elected president in eighth round; electoral college vote - Nikenike VUROBARAVU (VP) 48 votes, Solas MOLISA (VP) 4 votes
expected date of next election: 2027
note: note: the National Council of Chiefs (Malvatu Mauri) is a formal advisory body of chiefs recognized by the country's constitution; it advises the government on matters of culture and language
Reference: 2027, 2025, 2022head of government: Prime Minister Jotham NAPAT (since 11 February 2025)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister, responsible to Parliament
election/appointment process: president indirectly elected by an electoral college consisting of Parliament and presidents of the 6 provinces; national president serves a 5-year term; following legislative elections, the Parliament usually elects the leader of the majority party or majority coalition (who must also be a member of Parliament) as prime minister
most recent election date: 23 July 2022
election results: 2022: Nikenike VUROBARAVU elected president in eighth round; electoral college vote - Nikenike VUROBARAVU (VP) 48 votes, Solas MOLISA (VP) 4 votes
expected date of next election: 2027
note: note: the National Council of Chiefs (Malvatu Mauri) is a formal advisory body of chiefs recognized by the country's constitution; it advises the government on matters of culture and language
Legislative branch
legislature name: Parliament
legislative structure: unicameral
number of seats: 52 (all directly elected)
electoral system: proportional representation
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 4 years
most recent election date: 1/16/2025
parties elected and seats per party: Leaders Party of Vanuatu (LPV) (9); Vanua'aku Pati (VP) (7); Iauko Group (IG) (6); Union of Moderate Parties (UMP) (6); Rural Development Party (RDP) (6); Graon mo Jastis Pati (Land and Justice Party, GJP) (5); Reunification Movement for Change (RMC) (5); Other (8)
percentage of women in chamber: 1.9%
expected date of next election: January 2029
Reference: 2029, 2025legislative structure: unicameral
number of seats: 52 (all directly elected)
electoral system: proportional representation
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 4 years
most recent election date: 1/16/2025
parties elected and seats per party: Leaders Party of Vanuatu (LPV) (9); Vanua'aku Pati (VP) (7); Iauko Group (IG) (6); Union of Moderate Parties (UMP) (6); Rural Development Party (RDP) (6); Graon mo Jastis Pati (Land and Justice Party, GJP) (5); Reunification Movement for Change (RMC) (5); Other (8)
percentage of women in chamber: 1.9%
expected date of next election: January 2029
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Court of Appeal (consists of 2 or more judges of the Supreme Court designated by the chief justice); Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice and 6 puisne judges -- 3 local and 3 expatriate)
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court chief justice appointed by the president after consultation with the prime minister and the leader of the opposition; other judges appointed by the president on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission, a 4-member advisory body; judges serve until the age of retirement
subordinate courts: Magistrates Courts; Island Courts
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court chief justice appointed by the president after consultation with the prime minister and the leader of the opposition; other judges appointed by the president on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission, a 4-member advisory body; judges serve until the age of retirement
subordinate courts: Magistrates Courts; Island Courts
Political parties
Iauko Group (Eagle Party) or IG
Land and Justice Party (Graon mo Jastis Pati or GJP)
Leaders Party of Vanuatu or LPV
Rural Development Party or RDP
Reunification of Movement for Change or RMC
Union of Moderate Parties or UMP
Vanua'aku Pati (Our Land Party) or VP
Land and Justice Party (Graon mo Jastis Pati or GJP)
Leaders Party of Vanuatu or LPV
Rural Development Party or RDP
Reunification of Movement for Change or RMC
Union of Moderate Parties or UMP
Vanua'aku Pati (Our Land Party) or VP
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Odo TEVI (since 8 September 2017)
note - also Permanent Representative to the UN
chancery: 800 Second Avenue, Suite 400B, New York, NY 10017
telephone: [1] (212) 661-4303
FAX: [1] (212) 422-3427
email address and website: vanunmis@aol.com
https://www.un.int/vanuatu/
note: note: the Vanuatu Permanent Mission to the UN serves as the embassy
Reference: 2017note - also Permanent Representative to the UN
chancery: 800 Second Avenue, Suite 400B, New York, NY 10017
telephone: [1] (212) 661-4303
FAX: [1] (212) 422-3427
email address and website: vanunmis@aol.com
https://www.un.int/vanuatu/
note: note: the Vanuatu Permanent Mission to the UN serves as the embassy
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Ann Marie YASTISHOCK (since 16 April 2024); note - also accredited to the Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, based in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
embassy: Port Vila
email address and website: https://vt.usembassy.gov/
Reference: 2024embassy: Port Vila
email address and website: https://vt.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
ACP, ADB, AOSIS, C, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, IOC, IOM, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM, OAS (observer), OIF, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Independence
30 July 1980 (from France and the UK)
Reference: 1980National holiday
Independence Day, 30 July (1980)
Reference: 1980Flag
description: two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and green with a black isosceles triangle (based on the left side); a black-edged yellow stripe in the shape of a horizontal "Y" faces the left side and encloses the triangle; a boar's tusk in the triangle circles two crossed namele fern fronds, all in yellow
meaning: red stands for unity and the blood of men and boars, green for the richness of the islands, and black for the ni-Vanuatu people; the yellow "Y" reflects the islands' layout in the Pacific Ocean and symbolizes the light of the Gospel; the boar's tusk is a symbol of prosperity; the ferns represent peace
note: note: one of four national flags that reflect the shape of the country in the flag design; the others are Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, and Eritrea
meaning: red stands for unity and the blood of men and boars, green for the richness of the islands, and black for the ni-Vanuatu people; the yellow "Y" reflects the islands' layout in the Pacific Ocean and symbolizes the light of the Gospel; the boar's tusk is a symbol of prosperity; the ferns represent peace
note: note: one of four national flags that reflect the shape of the country in the flag design; the others are Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, and Eritrea
National symbol(s)
boar's tusk with crossed fern fronds
National color(s)
red, black, green, yellow
National anthem(s)
title: "Yumi, Yumi, Yumi" (We, We, We)
lyrics/music: Francois Vincent AYSSAV
history: adopted 1980; the anthem is written in the native Bislama
Reference: 1980lyrics/music: Francois Vincent AYSSAV
history: adopted 1980; the anthem is written in the native Bislama
National heritage
total World Heritage Sites: 1 (cultural)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Chief Roi Mata’s Domain
selected World Heritage Site locales: Chief Roi Mata’s Domain
Government & Official Links
| Institution | Official website | X / Twitter | Verification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vanuatu official website | Official website | — | Reported · source Checked September 20, 2026 |
Institutional accounts only; personal accounts of political office-holders are excluded.
Legislature & Elections
Legislature
| Name | Chamber | Seats | Electoral system |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parliament of Vanuatu | — | 52 | — |
Economy
Economic overview
lower-middle income Pacific island economy; extremely reliant on subsistence agriculture and tourism; environmentally fragile; struggling post-pandemic and Tropical Cyclone Harold rebound; sizeable inflation; road infrastructure aid from Australia
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024: $1.039 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $999.162 million (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $1.009 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $999.162 million (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $1.009 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2024: $3,200 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $3,100 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $3,200 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP per capita 2023: $3,100 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $3,200 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 24.9% (2022 est.)
industry: 7.5% (2022 est.)
services: 60.4% (2022 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Reference: 2022industry: 7.5% (2022 est.)
services: 60.4% (2022 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption: 77.2% (2022 est.)
government consumption: 23.9% (2022 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 38.8% (2022 est.)
investment in inventories: 0.4% (2022 est.)
exports of goods and services: 9.6% (2022 est.)
imports of goods and services: -55.5% (2022 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Reference: 2022government consumption: 23.9% (2022 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 38.8% (2022 est.)
investment in inventories: 0.4% (2022 est.)
exports of goods and services: 9.6% (2022 est.)
imports of goods and services: -55.5% (2022 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Agricultural products
coconuts, oranges, yams, cabbages, taro, bananas, chillies/peppers, chestnuts, sweet potatoes, cassava (2023)
note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Reference: 2023note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Industries
food and fish freezing, wood processing, meat canning
Industrial production growth rate
-19.7% (2022 est.)
note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Reference: 2022note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Labor force
118,100 (2024 est.)
note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Reference: 2024note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 11.6% (2024 est.)
male: 9.6% (2024 est.)
female: 14% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Reference: 2024male: 9.6% (2024 est.)
female: 14% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Population below poverty line
15.9% (2019 est.)
note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Reference: 2019note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2019: 32.3 (2019 est.)
note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Reference: 2019note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Household income or consumption by percentage share
lowest 10%: 3% (2019 est.)
highest 10%: 24.7% (2019 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Reference: 2019highest 10%: 24.7% (2019 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Remittances
Remittances 2023: 12.9% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 19.2% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2021: 20.3% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Remittances 2022: 19.2% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2021: 20.3% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Budget
revenues: $386.577 million (2023 est.)
expenditures: $378.659 million (2023 est.)
note: note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Reference: 2023expenditures: $378.659 million (2023 est.)
note: note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Public debt
Public debt 2023: 71.7% of GDP (2023 est.)
note: note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Reference: 2023note: note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Taxes and other revenues
17.4% (of GDP) (2023 est.)
note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Reference: 2023note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Current account balance
Current account balance 2022: -$127.432 million (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2021: -$75.451 million (2021 est.)
Current account balance 2020: -$57.858 million (2020 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2022, 2021, 2020Current account balance 2021: -$75.451 million (2021 est.)
Current account balance 2020: -$57.858 million (2020 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2022: $152.087 million (2022 est.)
Exports 2021: $82.08 million (2021 est.)
Exports 2020: $132.943 million (2020 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2022, 2021, 2020Exports 2021: $82.08 million (2021 est.)
Exports 2020: $132.943 million (2020 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
Thailand 49%, Japan 19%, Cote d'Ivoire 10%, China 7%, USA 3% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
fish, ships, perfume plants, wood, copra (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2022: $579.347 million (2022 est.)
Imports 2021: $520.391 million (2021 est.)
Imports 2020: $438.373 million (2020 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2022, 2021, 2020Imports 2021: $520.391 million (2021 est.)
Imports 2020: $438.373 million (2020 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
China 26%, Australia 15%, Angola 11%, Fiji 9%, NZ 8% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, ships, plastic products, poultry, trucks (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2024: $614.65 million (2024 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $643.768 million (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $638.537 million (2022 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $643.768 million (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $638.537 million (2022 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Debt - external
Debt - external 2023: $299.746 million (2023 est.)
note: note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Exchange rates
Currency: vatu (VUV) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2024: 119.167 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 119.112 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 115.354 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 109.452 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 115.38 (2020 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Exchange rates 2024: 119.167 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 119.112 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 115.354 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 109.452 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 115.38 (2020 est.)
Trade
Current account balance
Current account balance 2022: -$127.432 million (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2021: -$75.451 million (2021 est.)
Current account balance 2020: -$57.858 million (2020 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2022, 2021, 2020Current account balance 2021: -$75.451 million (2021 est.)
Current account balance 2020: -$57.858 million (2020 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2022: $152.087 million (2022 est.)
Exports 2021: $82.08 million (2021 est.)
Exports 2020: $132.943 million (2020 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2022, 2021, 2020Exports 2021: $82.08 million (2021 est.)
Exports 2020: $132.943 million (2020 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
Thailand 49%, Japan 19%, Cote d'Ivoire 10%, China 7%, USA 3% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
fish, ships, perfume plants, wood, copra (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2022: $579.347 million (2022 est.)
Imports 2021: $520.391 million (2021 est.)
Imports 2020: $438.373 million (2020 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2022, 2021, 2020Imports 2021: $520.391 million (2021 est.)
Imports 2020: $438.373 million (2020 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
China 26%, Australia 15%, Angola 11%, Fiji 9%, NZ 8% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, ships, plastic products, poultry, trucks (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Energy & Resources
Electricity
installed generating capacity: 39,000 kW (2023 est.)
consumption: 74.766 million kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 5.264 million kWh (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 74.766 million kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 5.264 million kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
fossil fuels: 74.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 8.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 5% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 11.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023solar: 8.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 5% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 11.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Petroleum
refined petroleum consumption: 2,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023: 12.934 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Infrastructure
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 3,000 (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 1 (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 1 (2022 est.)
Health
Maternal mortality ratio
100 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 4.4% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 3.9% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 3.9% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
0.16 physicians/1,000 population (2019)
Reference: 2019Obesity - adult prevalence rate
25.2% (2016)
Reference: 2016Tobacco use
total: 17.8% (2020 est.)
male: 33% (2020 est.)
female: 2.6% (2020 est.)
Reference: 2020male: 33% (2020 est.)
female: 2.6% (2020 est.)
Education
Rights, Freedoms & Society
Press & Media Freedom
V-Dem expert-coded/modelled source measures. Knelstrom does not create a press-freedom ranking or composite score.
LGBTQ+ Rights & Law
Concrete legal-status fields only; Knelstrom does not generate an LGBTQ rights score or country ranking.
Source: Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory (CC BY-SA 4.0). Community-edited legal-status summary; retrieved by Knelstrom and not legal advice.
Crime & Justice
Legal system
mixed system of English common law, French law, and customary law
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Court of Appeal (consists of 2 or more judges of the Supreme Court designated by the chief justice); Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice and 6 puisne judges -- 3 local and 3 expatriate)
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court chief justice appointed by the president after consultation with the prime minister and the leader of the opposition; other judges appointed by the president on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission, a 4-member advisory body; judges serve until the age of retirement
subordinate courts: Magistrates Courts; Island Courts
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court chief justice appointed by the president after consultation with the prime minister and the leader of the opposition; other judges appointed by the president on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission, a 4-member advisory body; judges serve until the age of retirement
subordinate courts: Magistrates Courts; Island Courts
Military & Security
Military and security forces
no regular military forces; Vanuatu Police Force (VPF) (2025)
note: note: the VPF includes the paramilitary Vanuatu Mobile Force (VMF) and Police Maritime Wing (VMW); the VMF has external security responsibilities
note: note: the VPF includes the paramilitary Vanuatu Mobile Force (VMF) and Police Maritime Wing (VMW); the VMF has external security responsibilities
Military - note
the separate British and French police forces were unified in 1980 as the New Hebrides Constabulary, which was commanded by Ni-Vanuatu officers while retaining some British and French officers as advisors; the Constabulary was subsequently renamed the Vanuatu Police Force later in 1980
the Vanuatu Mobile Force has received training and other support from Australia, China, France, New Zealand, and the US
Vanuatu has a "shiprider" agreement with the US, which allows local maritime law enforcement officers to embark on US Coast Guard (USCG) and US Navy (USN) vessels, including to board and search vessels suspected of violating laws or regulations within Vanuatu's designated exclusive economic zone (EEZ) or on the high seas; "shiprider" agreements also enable USCG personnel and USN vessels with embarked USCG law enforcement personnel to work with host nations to protect critical regional resources (2025)
Reference: 2025, 1980the Vanuatu Mobile Force has received training and other support from Australia, China, France, New Zealand, and the US
Vanuatu has a "shiprider" agreement with the US, which allows local maritime law enforcement officers to embark on US Coast Guard (USCG) and US Navy (USN) vessels, including to board and search vessels suspected of violating laws or regulations within Vanuatu's designated exclusive economic zone (EEZ) or on the high seas; "shiprider" agreements also enable USCG personnel and USN vessels with embarked USCG law enforcement personnel to work with host nations to protect critical regional resources (2025)
International Relations
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Odo TEVI (since 8 September 2017)
note - also Permanent Representative to the UN
chancery: 800 Second Avenue, Suite 400B, New York, NY 10017
telephone: [1] (212) 661-4303
FAX: [1] (212) 422-3427
email address and website: vanunmis@aol.com
https://www.un.int/vanuatu/
note: note: the Vanuatu Permanent Mission to the UN serves as the embassy
Reference: 2017note - also Permanent Representative to the UN
chancery: 800 Second Avenue, Suite 400B, New York, NY 10017
telephone: [1] (212) 661-4303
FAX: [1] (212) 422-3427
email address and website: vanunmis@aol.com
https://www.un.int/vanuatu/
note: note: the Vanuatu Permanent Mission to the UN serves as the embassy
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Ann Marie YASTISHOCK (since 16 April 2024); note - also accredited to the Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, based in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
embassy: Port Vila
email address and website: https://vt.usembassy.gov/
Reference: 2024embassy: Port Vila
email address and website: https://vt.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
ACP, ADB, AOSIS, C, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, IOC, IOM, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM, OAS (observer), OIF, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Treaties & Organisations
| Organisation | Status | Joined |
|---|---|---|
| Commonwealth of Nations (Commonwealth) | member | 1980-00-00 |
| United Nations (UN) | member | 1981-09-15 |
| World Trade Organization (WTO) | member | — |
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
International organization participation
ACP, ADB, AOSIS, C, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, IOC, IOM, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM, OAS (observer), OIF, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Conflict & Security
Refugees and internally displaced persons
IDPs: 2,336 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Trafficking in persons
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List — Vanuatu does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking, but the government has devoted sufficient resources to a written plan that, if implemented, would constitute significant efforts to meet the minimum standards; therefore, Vanuatu was granted a waiver per the Trafficking Victims Protection Act from an otherwise required downgrade to Tier 3 and remained on Tier 2 Watch List for the third consecutive year; for more details, go to: https://www.state.gov/reports/2025-trafficking-in-persons-report/vanuatu/
Transportation & Logistics
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
YJ
Airports
31 (2025)
Merchant marine
total: 338 (2023)
by type: bulk carrier 11, container ship 3, general cargo 101, other 223
Reference: 2023by type: bulk carrier 11, container ship 3, general cargo 101, other 223
Ports
total ports: 3 (2024)
large: 0
medium: 0
small: 1
very small: 2
ports with oil terminals: 2
key ports: Forari Bay, Luganville, Port Vila
Reference: 2024large: 0
medium: 0
small: 1
very small: 2
ports with oil terminals: 2
key ports: Forari Bay, Luganville, Port Vila
Environment
Environmental issues
water pollution; limited potable water; inadequate sanitation; deforestation
International environmental agreements
party to: Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Climate
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
Land use
agricultural land: 15.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 1.6% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 10.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 3.4% (2023 est.)
forest: 74.8% (2023 est.)
other: 9.8% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 1.6% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 10.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 3.4% (2023 est.)
forest: 74.8% (2023 est.)
other: 9.8% (2023 est.)
Urbanization
urban population: 26% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 2.55% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2020rate of urbanization: 2.55% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
total emissions: 292,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 292,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023from petroleum and other liquids: 292,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
9.1 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually: 70,200 tons (2024 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 52.9% (2022 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2022percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 52.9% (2022 est.)
Total renewable water resources
10 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022Communications & Media
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 3,000 (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 1 (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 1 (2022 est.)
Broadcast media
1 state-owned TV station; multi-channel pay TV available; state-owned Radio Vanuatu has 2 radio stations; 2 privately owned radio broadcasters; multiple international broadcasts available (2023)
Reference: 2023Internet country code
.vu
Historical Trends
Population
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Population data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 272,087 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 278,507 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 285,259 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 291,985 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 298,858 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 305,868 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 313,046 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | 320,409 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 327,777 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | 335,169 | world_bank_wdi |
GDP (current US$)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View GDP (current US$) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $908,725,513 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | $998,536,155 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | $1,034,402,941 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | $1,061,547,513 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | $1,017,403,363 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | $1,093,826,089 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | $1,151,863,790 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | $1,188,137,265 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | $1,297,956,615 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | $1,353,658,841 | world_bank_wdi |
International migrant stock (immigrants)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International migrant stock (immigrants) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 3,257 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 3,315 | world_bank_wdi |
International emigrant stock
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International emigrant stock data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 4,927 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 1995 | 5,656 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2000 | 6,184 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2005 | 6,597 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2010 | 6,898 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2015 | 5,840 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2020 | 8,465 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2024 | 15,202 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
Net migration
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Net migration data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | -1,235 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | -610 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | -638 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | -652 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | -201 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | -201 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 0 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | 0 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | -43 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | -52 | world_bank_wdi |
Sources & Methodology
Current statistical observations include their reference period and provenance. Reference fields from approved source datasets are attributed below. Missing information is left unknown rather than inferred.
| Indicator | Value | Period | Source | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 335,169 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| UN Population Division population estimate | 342,564 | 2026 | UN Population Division Data Portal | Estimated |
| Wikidata population (fallback) | 300,019 | 2020 | Wikidata | Reported |
| International migrant stock (immigrants) | 3,315 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International migrant stock | 1.0% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International emigrant stock | 15,202 | 2024 | UN DESA International Migrant Stock 2024 | Estimated |
| Net migration | -52 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Refugees from this country | 13 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Asylum seekers from this country | 961 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Freedom of expression & alternative information index | 0.848 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Government censorship effort — media | 2.451 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Harassment of journalists | 1.387 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Print/broadcast media critical of government | 0.590 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Range of perspectives in major media | 2.154 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media bias | 1.162 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media self-censorship | -0.775 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Same-sex sexual activity | Yes Legal; (No laws against same-sex sexual activity have ever existed since independence ); + UN decl. sign. | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Recognition of same-sex relationships | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex marriage | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex adoption | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law | Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Gender identity / expression law | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| GDP (current US$) | $1,353,658,841 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP per capita (current US$) | $4,039 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP growth | 3.1% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Inflation, consumer prices | 0.7% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Unemployment | 5.1% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Income level | Lower middle income | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Life expectancy at birth | 71.7 years | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fertility rate | 3.6 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Urban population | 22.3% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Individuals using the Internet | 22.4% | 2015 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Exports of goods and services | 25.3% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Imports of goods and services | 48.0% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Trade | 73.4% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Adult literacy rate | 88.0% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secondary school enrolment, gross | 134.7% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Government education expenditure | 7.6% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Access to electricity | 65.5% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Renewable energy consumption | 25.0% | 2022 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Current health expenditure | 4.1% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Infant mortality rate | 14.4 per 1,000 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Forest area | 36.3% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Mobile cellular subscriptions | 89.3 per 100 | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fixed broadband subscriptions | 1.2 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secure Internet servers | 1,919 per million | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude | -17.7404° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Longitude | 168.3210° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude (Wikidata) | -16.6333° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Longitude (Wikidata) | 168.0167° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Time zone | UTC+11:00, Pacific/Efate | current | Wikidata | Reported |
Data attribution
Credits below are generated from sources actually used by this country profile. Source-specific terms take precedence.
- CIA World Factbook, final 2025 country profile (structured via factbook.json). Accessed September 20, 2026. U.S. Government public-domain data; retained as a reference source where a newer approved field is not available. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, International Migrant Stock 2024; data access/processing via Our World in Data. Accessed September 20, 2026. Underlying UN dataset used under CC BY 3.0 IGO. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, World Population Prospects (WPP indicator 49) Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 3.0 IGO; current-year WPP population values are presented as estimates/projections where applicable. Source · Terms/licence
- Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem), Country-Year Dataset v16 (variables: v2mebias, v2mecenefm, v2mecrit, v2meharjrn, v2merange, v2meslfcen, v2x_freexp_altinf) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0; V-Dem measures are expert-coded/modelled and no V-Dem endorsement is implied. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikidata structured data (CC0). Accessed September 20, 2026. Attribution is provided by Knelstrom for provenance although CC0 does not require it. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikipedia, “LGBTQ rights by country or territory” (source revision/data fields: Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Gender identity / expression law, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Recognition of same-sex relationships, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex adoption, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex marriage, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex sexual activity, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Knelstrom changes formatting and presents the imported material as a community-edited legal-status summary, not legal advice or a Knelstrom rights score. Source · Terms/licence
- World Bank, World Development Indicators (series: AG.LND.FRST.ZS, country_metadata, EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS, EG.FEC.RNEW.ZS, FP.CPI.TOTL.ZG, IT.CEL.SETS.P2, IT.NET.BBND.P2, IT.NET.SECR.P6, IT.NET.USER.ZS, NE.EXP.GNFS.ZS, NE.IMP.GNFS.ZS, NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS, NY.GDP.MKTP.CD, NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG, NY.GDP.PCAP.CD, SE.ADT.LITR.ZS, SE.SEC.ENRR, SE.XPD.TOTL.GD.ZS, SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS, SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS, SM.POP.ASYS.EO, SM.POP.NETM, SM.POP.RHCR.EO, SM.POP.TOTL, SM.POP.TOTL.ZS, SP.DYN.IMRT.IN, SP.DYN.LE00.IN, SP.DYN.TFRT.IN, SP.POP.TOTL, SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS) Accessed September 20, 2026. Data used under CC BY 4.0; Knelstrom presentation/formatting may differ from the source. Source · Terms/licence
Knelstrom does not imply endorsement by any listed data provider.
Last automated statistical refresh: 2026-09-20 02:10:33