The Republic of Vanuatu consists of 13 islands and about 60 islets that form a Y-shaped chain in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. Formerly known as New Hebrides, it is situated about 1,200 miles (1,900 kilometers) east of Australia. The capital and largest town, Port-Vila, is on Éfaté, the main island. Area 4,707 square miles (12,190 square kilometers). Population (2020 est.) 289,100.
Mountainous interiors, narrow coastal plains, and offshore coral reefs characterize the islands. There are several active volcanoes, and the islands are subject to frequent earthquakes. Rainfall ranges from 90 inches (230 centimeters) in the south to 155 inches (395 centimeters) in the north.
The largest ethnic group is Melanesian. There are small minorities of Europeans, Chinese, and Polynesians. The main languages spoken are French, English, and Bislama, a Melanesian pidgin.
Agriculture, fishing, and cattle raising are the major occupations. Chief crops are coconuts, kava, cocoa, coffee, bananas, yams, taro, and breadfruit. Large-scale commercial fishing of tuna and bonito is conducted with Japanese and Australian assistance. Some manganese is mined. Manufacturing includes meatpacking, fish freezing, and the production of soft drinks and furniture. A lack of direct taxation fostered Vanuatu’s development as a financial and banking center. Tourism is also important to the economy.
First sighted by a Portuguese navigator in 1606, the islands were named in 1774 by the English explorer James Cook after the Scottish Hebrides Islands. During World War II they were a major Allied base. The islands became independent under the name of Vanuatu in 1980.