Map of Vanuatu | Vanuatu Flag Facts | Places to visit in Vanuatu
Known for its exceptional beaches with little to no crowds, this is your dream place to relax, unwind and take a break from the world. Always wanted to experience secluded beaches? Well, you can do that here with several islands all housing impeccable floral and fauna. Vanuatu is not just limited to its beauty provided to it by nature but also the indigenous people of Vanuatu will show you hospitality like you have never seen or experienced before, treating you like one of them. Feel like a native on your trip to this beautiful country.
Map of Vanuatu
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US relations with Vanuatu
Unlike many other countries, Vanuatu was never considered to be a part of the US territory. Vanuatu’s relations with the United States are diplomatic and they were established in 1986, six years after its independence. There is a country office in Port Vila (Vanuatu) managed by the US Peace Corps. The United States and Vanuatu maintain relations with the aim to strengthen democracy, promote the development and improve security. The two countries also have a ship rider agreement that allows both countries to cooperate on the decrement of illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing and continuous development of maritime law enforcement. Military ships of the US communicate with the Vanuatu Police Force regularly for training and other aspects.
Is Vanuatu in French Polynesia?
Vanuatu and French Polynesia are completely different countries with a distance of 5,541kms. Island countries are often confused for each other due to the dispersing islands that they are composed of, it is difficult to keep a track of the smaller islands.
How many islands is Vanuatu composed of?
Vanuatu is made up of 80 islands, big and small. There are 13 principal islands arranged in a Y shape. These principal islands are coral and volcanic in origin. On the west of Vanuatu lies Fiji whereas Australia is present on its east. 65 of the islands are inhabited and a lot of them are even home to active volcanoes.
Brief Vanuatu colonial history
Vanuatu was jointly colonized by both the French and the British. The two nations ruled Vanuatu from 1906 to 1980 and it was called Condominium. An independence movement was started in the 1970s and it led to the formation of the Republic of Vanuatu in 1980. The country is now an active member of the UN, Commonwealth of Nations and the Pacific Islands Forum.
Vanuatu Flag Facts
The flag of Vanuatu was officially adopted on the 18th February, 1980. The initiation of the flag design occured in 1977 when a local artist Kalontas Malon designed a flag using the same colors that are used in the official flag but it was adopted by the political party that led to Vanuatu’s independence. The colors were chosen to remain the same and a parliamentary committee chose the final design from several entries submitted by local artists.
Meaning and Colors of Vanuatu Flag
Vanuatu’s flag uses 4 colors; red, green, black and yellow. There are horizontal stripes of red on the top and green at the bottom which is separated by a black hoist triangle with yellow borders forming a Y-shape which is further outlined by black borders. Inside the triangle, there is an encircled pig’s tusk and two cross leaves.
The red color represents the blood that unites humanity whereas the green is meant to symbolize the richness of the islands. The boar’s tusk is a symbol of prosperity and peace and the yellow color is meant to represent the peace and the light of Christianity dispersing through the archipelago. The Y shape itself basically maps out the entire shape of the country and the way the islands are arranged.
Population of Vanuatu
Vanuatu has a population of 292,680 with 98% of the population having the roots of the Ni-Vanuatu group. Most of the population follow Christianity. People of Vanuatu are known for their hospitality and how welcoming they are to the tourists. Vanuatu is making several efforts to increase tourism in their country and their citizens play their role by ensuring that visitors have the best time of their lives when coming to Vanuatu.
Language of Vanuatu
Other than the language of the tribal people of Vanuatu which is called Bislama, people of Vanuatu are also fluent in English and French due to their past relations with France and Britain. All three are considered to be the official languages of Vanuatu.
Interesting Facts About Vanuatu
The Oceania country like many others has a rich culture and history. Here are some of the really interesting facts about Vanuatu that will make your visit worthwhile:
- During the Second World War, allied soldiers passed through Vanuatu and left behind a lot of equipment that is now up for display for you to feast your eyes upon.
- One of the most accessible ship wreckage sites is in Vanuatu of the SS President Coolidge.
- Bungee Jumping was first practiced in Vanuatu and it was called nagole.
- Vanuatu is ranked as the fourth happiest country in the world which is determined by assessing the country’s equality, life expectancy and wellbeing of the people and the country.
Places to Visit in Vanuatu
Haven’t decided to visit Vanuatu yet? Well this might change your mind with unique attractions that are exclusive to Vanuatu and cannot be experienced in many other countries
- Mt. Yasur Volcano – This is one of the most accessible volcanoes of the world and you can even go near its peak. The sight is nothing like you have seen before in your life and photographers often visit this place to capture the beauty of it.
- Oyster Island – Experience luxury at a great price. The place has only 32 beds offering exclusivity and the resort offers fresh oysters on demand all the time!
- Tanna – Want to unwind on an isolated beach with just you and nature? Tanna is the place to go with magnificent beaches and you can witness the true essence of Vanuatu’s rural life and its people.
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