Key Facts about Vanuatu

About Vanuatu:

• It is an island country located in the South Pacific Ocean.
• It is an archipelago made up of 83 islands, of which only 65 are inhabited.
• The islands extend north-south for some 400 miles (650 km) in an irregular Y shape.
• It lies east of Australia and north of New Zealand, or midway between Australia and Fiji.
• Geography:
  • A diverse relief—ranging from rugged mountains and high plateaus to rolling hills and low plateaus, with coastal terraces and offshore coral reefs—characterizes the islands.
  • The country is home to several active volcanoes, including Mount Yasur, which is one of the world’s most accessible active volcanoes.
• Capital: Its capital and largest city is Port Vila, located on Efate Island.
• Currency: The vatu is the currency of Vanuatu.
• The population of Vanuatu is 94% indigenous Melanesian.
• Language:
  • The national language of the Republic of Vanuatu is Bislama (a Creole language).
  • The official languages are Bislama, English, and
• Government:
  • Type: Parliamentary democracy.
  • Independence: July 30, 1980.
• Economy:
• • The economy is based on agriculture, tourism, fishing, and offshore financial services, with kava exports playing a significant role.
  • Vanuatu does not have income tax, withholding tax, capital gains tax, inheritance tax, or exchange control.
  • VAT, tourism, and agricultural exports contribute to the national income.
• Vanuatu offers a citizenship-by-investment programme, allowing foreigners to obtain citizenship in exchange for a financial contribution, typically for around $1,50,000 USD.
  • Passports provide a major source of government revenues.
  • Vanuatu passport holders can travel without a visa to 56 countries, making its citizenship-by-investment programme a highly attractive scheme.