Santo) rising to over 1,800 metres. Fresh has the fastest-growing population, as people water is plentiful. migrate to the capital; growth 2.4 per cent p.a. 1990–2013; birth rate 27 per 1,000 Climate: Oceanic tropical, with south-east people (43 in 1970); life expectancy 72 years trade winds running May–October. The (53 in 1970). period November–April is humid, with moderate rainfall. Cyclones may occur Most of the population is Melanesian, known November–April. as ni-Vanuatu (98.5 per cent in the 1999 census), the rest of mixed Micronesian, Environment: The most significant Polynesian and European descent. environmental issues are that a majority of the population does not have access to a safe Language: The national language is Bislama; and reliable supply of water (although it is English and French are widely spoken and improving), and deforestation. also official languages. There are more than 100 Melanesian languages and dialects. Vegetation: The rocky islands are thickly forested, with narrow coastal plains where Religion: Mainly Christians (Presbyterians 28 cultivation is possible. Forest covers 36 per per cent, Anglicans 15 per cent, Seventh Day cent of the land area and there was no Adventists 13 per cent and Roman Catholics significant loss of forest cover during 12 per cent; 2009 census). 1990–2012. Health: Public spending on health was three Wildlife: Vanuatu is home to 11 species of per cent of GDP in 2012. The major hospitals bat, including white flying-fox. It is also the are in and Luganville, with health centres and dispensaries throughout the easternmost habitation of dugongs, also country. Some 91 per cent of the population KEY FACTS known as sea-cows. Espíritu Santo has the uses an improved drinking water source and Joined Commonwealth: 1980 richest bird population, with 55 species 58 per cent have access to adequate including incubator birds which leave their Population: 253,000 (2013) sanitation facilities (2012). Malaria is eggs to incubate in hot volcanic sand from widespread. Infant mortality was 15 per GDP p.c. growth: 0.6% p.a. 1990–2013 which the young birds emerge fully fledged. 1,000 live births in 2013 (141 in 1960). UN HDI 2014: World ranking 131 Seven mammal species and nine bird species Education: Public spending on education Official languages: Bislama, English, French are thought to be endangered (2014). was seven per cent of GDP in 2008. Primary Main towns: Port Vila (capital, pop. 47,500 Time: GMT plus 11 hrs education, in French or English, is provided in 2010) and Mele (2,500) on Efaté; Currency: Vatu (Vt) free of charge (with effect from 2010). Luganville (13,800) and Port Olry (2,900) on Primary school comprises six years and Espíritu Santo; Norsup (2,400) on Malakula; secondary seven, with cycles of four and Geography and Isangel (1,700) on Tanna. three years. Some 71 per cent of pupils Area: 12,190 sq km Transport: There are 1,070 km of roads, 24 complete primary school (2008). The school Coastline: 2,530 km per cent paved, most of which are on Efaté. year starts in February. Capital: Port Vila Ferries link the islands. Additionally, there are Vanuatu is a partner in the regional University shipping services, run by a number of of the South Pacific, which has its main The Republic of Vanuatu’s land area is made operators, to Australia, New Zealand and campus in Suva, Fiji, and a campus, the up of a group of islands in the south-west . The main ports are Port Vila Emalus Campus, in Port Vila, Vanuatu, where Pacific, lying south of Solomon Islands and and Luganville. 700–1,000 students per semester are enrolled east of the state of Queensland in Australia. for certificate, diploma, degree and The chief airports are at Bauerfield, near Port The country comprises six provinces: postgraduate courses, using the university’s Vila, and Pekoa on Espíritu Santo Island; there Malampa, Penama, Sanma, Shefa, Tafea and distance-learning facilities. The university’s are some 30 smaller airfields. Torba. law school and teaching programmes in Topography: Vanuatu is a Y-shaped Pacific languages and early childhood archipelago, some 900-km long. It forms a Society education are based at the Emalus Campus. double chain of about 40 mountainous KEY FACTS 2013 Institutions offering tertiary education include islands and 40 islets and rocks of volcanic Population per sq km: 21 the Institute of Technology, which offers and coral origin; about 65 of these are courses in business and technical education; Life expectancy: 72 years inhabited. Some islands (including Tanna, Institute of Teacher Education; and College of Lopévi and Ambrym) have active volcanoes. Population: 253,000 (2013); concentrated Nursing Education, all of which are located in Many of the rocky islands are steeply near the coast on the four main islands; 26 Port Vila. Literacy among people aged 15–24 mountainous, the highest peaks (on Espíritu per cent of people live in urban areas – Efaté is 94 per cent (2010).

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Media: Vanuatu Weekly is published by the structural reforms, including reducing the Real growth in GDP government in Bislama, French and English. public sector, tighter fiscal control and % Independent newspapers include Vanuatu % 3.5 boosting exports. Daily Post , and the weeklies L’Hebdo du 3.0 The government continued in the 2000s to Vanuatu , Nasara , Ni-Vanuatu , Port Vila Presse 2.5 be committed to encouraging the private and The Vanuatu Independent . sector and foreign investment, improving The Vanuatu Broadcasting and Television 2.0 living standards and reducing economic g Corporation provides public TV and radio 1.5 inequalities. In 2001–02 the economy shrank services, broadcasting in Bislama, French and by more than two per cent p.a. It then 1.0 English, and there are some private recovered and the growth rate strengthened, commercial and faith radio stations. 0.5 averaging more than five per cent p.a. over 2003–08, a recovery that has been attributed Some 37 per cent of households have TV sets 0.0 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 to sound fiscal and monetary management, (2009). There are 14 personal computers per increased private capital inflows and better 1,000 people (2005). Inflation donor relations. From 2009, in the adverse Communications: Country code 678; international economic climate, the economy % 5 internet domain ‘.vu’. There are public grew more slowly, showing growth of one to phones in post offices. Mobile coverage is two per cent p.a. in 2010–13, then picking 4 generally good. Port Vila and Luganville have up in 2014 (estimated 3.5 per cent). several internet cafes, and internet access is 3 provided by some post offices. History For every 1,000 people there are 20 landlines, 2 The islands of Vanuatu have been inhabited 593 mobile phone subscriptions and 113 since 500 BCE, and the region was part of internet users (2013). 1 the Tongan Empire into the 14th century CE. Public holidays: New Year’s Day, Father European sailors visited it briefly and at long 0 Day (21 February), Chief’s Day (5 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 intervals from early in the 17th century. The March), Labour Day (1 May), Children’s Day name ‘’ was given to the (24 July), Independence Day (30 July), islands by Captain James Cook on his visit in GDP by sector (2013) Assumption Day (15 August), Constitution 1774. In 1789 the islands were called at by Day (5 October), Unity Day (29 November), rescuers seeking Captain Bligh and his Christmas Day and Family Day (25 and 26 Agriculture officers, who had been turned loose with December). 24.3% provisions in an open boat after the mutiny Industry on the Bounty . Religious festivals whose dates vary from year 10.5% to year include Good Friday, Easter Monday During the 19th century French and English and Ascension Day. Services Christian missionaries and some traders and 65.2% planters settled on some of the islands which Economy became an Anglo-French condominium by under growing pressure from the OECD’s 1906. The New Hebrides, as it was then KEY FACTS 2013 called, was ruled by separate British and campaign to counter money laundering and GNI: US$794m French administrations, laying the many of the more than 100 banks closed. By foundations for some of the problems that GNI p.c.: US$3,130 2003 only seven banks were able to comply have erupted since independence. GDP growth: 2.0% p.a. 2009–13 with the tighter regulations the government introduced to meet the OECD’s After World War II, a power struggle Inflation: 2.1% p.a. 2009–13 requirements. developed between the dual colonial interests The Vanuatu economy is based on and the indigenous islanders, initially over the A long strike by public-sector workers in agriculture, fishing, tourism and offshore alienation of land by the Europeans. The first financial services. Much of the agriculture is 1993–94 and subsequent dismissal of all major change was agreement, at a meeting subsistence farming. As most exports are those involved plunged the country into crisis, between and the UK in 1974, to set agricultural – for example, copra, coconut oil, which was only resolved when the Asian up a representative assembly (with a majority kava, beef, timber, cocoa and coffee, Development Bank agreed (in 1997) to elected by universal franchise) to replace the Vanuatu is vulnerable to fluctuations in world financial support to lift the economy, but its colonial advisory council. The first national commodity prices. The country has inherent support was tied to a Comprehensive Reform elections followed in November 1975, but economic difficulties (it is remote and Programme. At the core of this were disagreements among the four chiefs isolated, so faces heavy transport costs, and it is prone to cyclone damage) and is therefore Vanuatu on the international stage dependent on aid for development projects. The New Economics Foundation cited Vanuatu as number one in its Happy Planet Index in Vanuatu created an offshore tax haven in 2006, deeming its people the happiest in the world. 1971, with a very liberal financial regime. Many banks set up in the country and by the At the 2013 CHOGM in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Vanuatu offered to host CHOGM 2017. late 1980s the offshore financial sector Kali Jacobus, born in 1974 in Malekula, won the UBO World Super Middleweight Boxing contributed 12 per cent of GDP. However, Championship in 2009. from the late 1990s this tax haven came

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representing traditional interests delayed francophone Union of Moderate Parties independence and first Prime Minister elections to the seats reserved for chiefs. (UMP). The coalition surprisingly included (1980–91), Father Walter Lini, died at the Just a few months after the assembly had members of the National United Party age of 57 in February 1999. (NUP), a party formed by former Prime come into full operation in early 1977, a During August 1999 opposition parties won Minister Lini who had broken away from second boycott brought its operations to a three of the four by-elections to be held, the VP. The NUP itself split in mid-1993, halt. The largest party, the Vanua’aku Pati giving them control of 26 of the 52 (VP), led by an Anglican priest, Father Walter with Lini’s group joining the opposition, parliamentary seats, and putting them in a Lini, objected to the reservation of six seats alongside the VP, the MPP and the Fren strong position to defeat the government, for members of the Chamber of Commerce. Party (FMP). Korman maintained which finally occurred in November 1999 Reluctant to make any compromise his majority, governing until the general after two government members defected to agreement, the VP went on to boycott the election of 1995. The immediate result of the opposition and Barak Sope (MPP) was ensuing conference in Paris in July 1977 and the 1995 elections was a coalition elected Prime Minister by 28 votes to 24. the subsequent general election. A government led by (UMP). However, the new government was soon government of national unity was formed in After two months, he was replaced by involved in political controversy and its 1978 and, with advisory help from France Korman. Less than eight months later, in authority was undermined by leaks of cabinet and the UK, a new constitution providing for September 1996, Korman lost a vote of no documents to the press. In April 2001, after independence in 1980 was adopted in confidence and resigned after members of nine members of the ruling coalition defected October 1979. Elections in November 1979 his coalition government were criticised by to the opposition, Sope lost a no-confidence gave victory to the VP, and Lini became the national ombudsman in her report on vote, and VP leader became Prime Minister. The archipelago gained the uncovering of a massive bank fraud. Prime Minister and immediately announced independence on 30 July 1980 as Vanuatu Vohor once again became Prime Minister. there would be an inquiry into the previous and joined the Commonwealth. Divisions within the government over government’s controversial deal with a Thai After independence, the VP remained in implementation of the Asian Development businessman. power for 11 years, under the leadership of Bank-funded economic reforms led to its Lini. During this period an attempt at defeat in November 1997 and to the Constitution secession, supported by the Na-Griamel dissolution of Parliament. On 12 January Status: Republic movement and some francophone 1998 a state of emergency was declared inhabitants, was suppressed. Lini was twice following rioting in Port Vila, which broke Legislature: re-elected Prime Minister (1983 and 1987). out as 500 people attempted to withdraw Independence: 30 July 1980 After the 1987 elections, Lini was challenged their investments in the National Provident Vanuatu is a republic with a non-executive for the party leadership by Barak Sope, who Fund, following allegations that politicians presidency. The President is elected by subsequently formed a new party – the had misused the fund. There was an early Parliament together with the Presidents of Melanesian Progressive Party (MPP) – and for general election in March 1998, when a the regional councils and serves a five-year a brief period became Prime Minister of an record 220 candidates contested 52 seats term. The single-chamber Parliament has 52 interim government, pending elections. (increased from 50 since the previous members, directly elected every four years by However, before these elections could be elections in 1995). The VP won 18 seats, universal adult suffrage with an element of held, Lini resumed as Prime Minister. Sope the UMP 12, the NUP 11 and other parties proportional representation. Parliament and several members of the interim 11; no party had an overall majority. appoints the Prime Minister from among its government were arrested on charges of However, after 12 days of negotiations members, and the Prime Minister appoints a treason. They were convicted but their prison (VP) and Lini (NUP) formed council of ministers from among the MPs. sentences were subsequently quashed a coalition government. Kalpokas was The constitution provides for a certain following appeals from the international elected Prime Minister, with the support of amount of decentralisation, intended to community. In September 1991, Donald 35 members of Parliament; he appointed promote regional autonomy and local Kalpokas succeeded Lini as leader of the VP Lini as Deputy Prime Minister. In October participation. In 1994, the 11 local councils and Prime Minister. 1998, Kalpokas dismissed Lini, excluding the were replaced by six provincial governments. The general election of December 1991 NUP from the coalition, and formed new The district councils of chiefs elect the brought in a new government, a coalition alliances with the UMP and the John Frum National Council of Chiefs, which is led by , leader of the Movement (JFM). Vanuatu’s leader at consulted, and makes representations, on customary law and traditional factors Further information affecting government. Government of Vanuatu: www.governmentofvanuatu.gov.vu In October 2004, Parliament passed Parliament of Vanuatu: www.parliament.gov.vu constitutional amendments designed to Vanuatu National Statistics Office: www.vnso.gov.vu reduce political instability. These amendments Reserve Bank of Vanuatu: www.rbv.gov.vu included banning no-confidence votes in the Vanuatu Tourism Office: vanuatu.travel first and last 12-month periods of a Commonwealth Secretariat: www.thecommonwealth.org parliamentary term and, after the first 12 Commonwealth of Nations: www.commonwealthofnations.org/ months of a term, required a by-election in country/Vanuatu any constituency where the member crossed Media the floor. Before taking effect these Islands Business: www.islandsbusiness.com amendments were to be put to the electorate Vanuatu Daily Post : www.dailypost.vu in a national referendum.

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Politics At the end of President Mataskelekele’s term, During September 2014, on completion of in August 2009, Korman, the Speaker of President Abbil’s term of office, presidential Last elections: 30 October 2012 Parliament, became acting President. elections were held by Parliament. Baldwin Next elections: 2016 Presidential elections were held by Parliament Lonsdale was elected in the eighth round of Head of state: President in September 2009 and Iolu Johnson Abbil voting on 22 September. was elected in the third round. (2014–) On 11 June 2015 Prime Minister Natuman Head of government: Prime Minister Sato In December 2010, while he was travelling to was ousted in a no-confidence vote (27 –25) Kilman the UN Climate Change Conference in and elected Prime Minister by Mexico, Prime Minister Natapei lost a Women MPs: 0% Parliament. He defeated Ham Lini (28 –22). parliamentary no-confidence vote (15–30), From 1991 political life in Vanuatu has been and the leader of the People’s Progressive International relations characterised by coalition governments with Party (PPP) and of the opposition Alliance fluctuating support and the splitting off of bloc in Parliament, Sato Kilman, was sworn in Vanuatu is a member of the African, political parties. as Prime Minister. Caribbean and Pacific Group of States, Non- Aligned Movement, Organisation The May 2002 general election saw coalition On 24 April 2011, following a parliamentary internationale de la Francophonie, Pacific partners Union of Moderate Parties (UMP) no-confidence vote against Kilman and his Community, Pacific Islands Forum, United and Vanua’aku Pati (VP) comfortably returned cabinet, Serge Vohor of the UMP was elected Nations and World Trade Organization. to power, the UMP with 15 seats and the VP Prime Minister by Parliament. Then on 13 with 14, while Willie Jimmy’s National United May 2011, when the Court of Appeal ruled The World Trade Organization approved Party (NUP) took eight. The victorious that Vohor’s election was unconstitutional, Vanuatu’s accession in October 2011; the partners put VP leader Edward Natapei Kilman was restored to office. On 16 June Vanuatu Parliament passed enabling forward to be Prime Minister, with Serge 2011, after the Supreme Court had ruled legislation in December 2011; and the Vohor – whose UMP had won the most seats that Kilman’s election in December 2010 had country became a full member of the – his deputy. During 2003, relations between also been unlawful, Natapei was appointed organisation on 24 August 2012. the NUP and the government improved, but to lead a caretaker administration until a despite some discussion on its joining the fresh parliamentary vote was held on 26 June coalition, the NUP continued in opposition. Traveller information 2011, when Kilman defeated Vohor (29 –23) Immigration and customs: Passports must During 2004 the presidency changed hands and resumed as Prime Minister. be valid for at least six months from the date several times before an early general election On 19 November 2012, in the parliamentary of departure. Visas are required by most in July 2004. A coalition of NUP (with ten vote that followed the general election of 30 Commonwealth nationals. Prohibited imports seats) and VP (eight) emerged from the October, Kilman defeated Natapei (29–23); to include most fresh food; plants and animals, election with the most parliamentary seats, be re-elected Prime Minister at the head of a and plant and animal products; and soil and UMP having secured nine seats. However, new coalition government. Although when the Parliament convened, some VP agricultural products. There are restrictions on Natapei’s VP had won eight seats in the members crossed the floor and Serge Vohor the import of dry and processed foods. election and Kilman’s PPP six, Kilman secured of the UMP was elected Prime Minister. In the Travel within the country: Traffic drives on the support of the majority of the members fourth round of the subsequent presidential the right. Visitors can drive with a foreign of the new Parliament, who represented a election, emerged as driving licence. total of 16 parties as well as a number of President. In December 2004 a no-confidence independents, and included no women. Inter-island travel is normally by air, and vote went against Vohor, and Ham Lini, NUP services fly daily to the principal islands; inter- leader and brother of former Prime Minister Facing a motion of no confidence in island ferries do not run very frequently. Air Father Walter Lini, was elected Prime Minister. Parliament, Prime Minister Kilman resigned charter is also available. Taxis operate in on 21 March 2013 and Moana Carcasses In the general election of September 2008 urban areas and are metered. Kalosil was elected unopposed by 34 the VP won 11 of 52 seats and NUP eight. members of parliament to succeed him on 23 Travel health: Prevalent diseases where These two parties agreed to work together March. appropriate precautionary measures are and VP leader Edward Natapei was elected recommended include dengue fever, Prime Minister – with the support of 28 MPs. Prime Minister Kalosil was defeated by Joe diphtheria, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, malaria He was opposed by Maxime Carlot Korman Natuman in a no-confidence vote on 15 May and typhoid. (the candidate of the Vanuatu Republican 2014 (40 –12) and Natuman became Prime Party) who received 24 votes. Minister. There were 110,000 tourist arrivals in 2013.

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