Vanuatu

Multiple waves of colonizers, each speaking a distinct language, migrated to the New Hebrides in the millennia preceding European exploration in the 18th century. This settlement pattern accounts for the complex linguistic diversity found on the archipelago to this day. The British and French, who settled the New Hebrides in the 19th century, agreed in 1906 to an Anglo-French Condominium, which administered the islands until independence in 1980, when the new name of Vanuatu was adopted.

Languages & Population

Approximate Population: 211,971 (July 2007 est.)

Nationality (Noun): Ni-Vanuatu (singular and plural)

Nationality (Adjective): Ni-Vanuatu

Official Language(s): Bislama, English, French

Major Languages Spoken: English, French, Bislama

Country Facts

Country Name (long form): Republic of Vanuatu

Country Name (short form): Vanuatu

Country Name (local long form): Ripablik blong Vanuatu

Country Name (local short form): Vanuatu

Name of Capital: Port-Vila (on Efate)

UTC Time Difference (from capital): UTC+11 (16 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Countries Near by, and Bordering Vanuatu: New Caledonia, Solomon Islands, Fiji Islands

Land Area: 12200 sq km

Comparative Area: slightly larger than Connecticut

Total Land Boundry: 0 km

Coastline: 2,528 km

National Holiday: Independence Day, 30 July (1980)

International Phone Code: 678

Currency Code: vatu (VUV)

Internet Country Code: .vu

US Embassy Location: the US does not have an embassy in Vanuatu; ambassador to Papua New Guinea is accredited to Vanuatu

US Embassy Mailing Address: the US does not have an embassy in Vanuatu; ambassador to Papua New Guinea is accredited to Vanuatu