Vanuatu

The Happiest Place on Earth

Current Local Time

Vanuatu Flag
Time Zone
Vanuatu Time (VUT)
UTC/GMT +11 hours (No DST)

Current Weather in Port Vila

28°C
Partly Cloudy
Feels like: 30°C
Wind: 15 km/h SE
Humidity: 75%
Visibility: 18 km
Tomorrow
27°C / 23°C
Scattered Showers
Day After
29°C / 24°C
Sunny
Sunrise
6:05 AM
Sunset
5:45 PM
Pressure
1012 hPa
UV Index
11 (Extreme)

Country Information

Capital
Port Vila (Efate)
Population
320,000 (2023 est.)
Area
12,189 km² (161st largest)
Government
Parliamentary republic
President
Nikenike Vurobaravu (since 2022)
Currency
Vanuatu vatu (VUV)
GDP
$900 million (2023 est.)
Languages
Bislama, English, French, 100+ indigenous languages

Travel Information

Best Time to Visit
Apr-Oct (Dry season)
Visa Requirements
Visa-free for 30 days (many countries)
Electricity
220V/50Hz (Type I plugs)
Driving Side
Right
Emergency Number
112 (Police & Ambulance)
Time Zone
VUT (UTC+11)
Internet TLD
.vu
Calling Code
+678

Famous Islands & Attractions

Efate

Efate

Home to the capital Port Vila, beautiful beaches, and the famous Mele Cascades waterfalls.

Main island
Tanna

Tanna

Famous for Mount Yasur, one of the world's most accessible active volcanoes.

Southern islands
Espiritu Santo

Espiritu Santo

Largest island with the famous Blue Hole, Champagne Beach, and WWII relics.

Northern islands
Ambrym

Ambrym

Known as the "Black Island" for its volcanic ash and famous for its Rom dance and sand drawings.

Central islands
Pentecost

Pentecost

Home of the famous land diving (Naghol), the original bungee jumping ritual.

Northern islands
Malekula

Malekula

Cultural heartland with diverse tribes, traditional villages, and unique customs.

Central islands

Historical Timeline

2000 BC
First settled by Lapita people
1606
Portuguese explorer Pedro Fernandes de Queirós arrives
1774
Captain Cook names the islands "New Hebrides"
1906
Anglo-French Condominium established
1942-45
Allied base during WWII with 500,000 troops stationed
1980
Independence from Britain and France on July 30
2015
Devastated by Cyclone Pam
2020
Ranked happiest country in the Happy Planet Index

Cultural Highlights

Ethnic Diversity

Ni-Vanuatu 98.5%
European
Asian
Other Pacific Islanders

Traditional Cuisine

Lap lap (national dish)
Fresh seafood
Taro & yam
Tropical fruits
Island cabbage
Kava (traditional drink)

Major Festivals

Independence Day
July 30 - National celebrations
Land Diving Festival
April-June - Pentecost Island
Fest Napuan
October - Music festival in Port Vila

Vanuatu on the Map

Coordinates
16.0000° S, 167.0000° E
Bordering Countries
Solomon Islands (N), New Caledonia (S), Fiji (E)
Highest Point
Mount Tabwemasana (1,877 m)

Travel Tips & Advice

When to Visit

  • Apr-Oct: Dry season, best for travel
  • Nov-Mar: Wet season, possible cyclones
  • Jul: Independence celebrations

Getting Around

  • Domestic Flights: Connect main islands
  • Boats: Primary transport between islands
  • Buses: Shared taxis in urban areas
  • Rental Cars: Available in Port Vila and Luganville

Safety Tips

  • Exercise normal safety precautions
  • Be cautious when swimming (strong currents)
  • Respect local customs and traditions
  • Be aware of volcanic activity in some areas

Money Matters

  • Vanuatu vatu (VUV) is the official currency
  • ATMs available in Port Vila and Luganville
  • Credit cards accepted in major hotels
  • Carry cash for rural areas and markets

Fun Facts About Vanuatu

Island Nation

Vanuatu consists of 83 islands (65 inhabited) stretching over 1,300 km from north to south.

Volcanic Activity

Vanuatu has 9 active volcanoes, including Yasur on Tanna which has been erupting continuously for over 800 years.

Happiness

Vanuatu was ranked the happiest country in the world in the Happy Planet Index multiple times.

Language Diversity

Vanuatu has the highest density of languages per capita in the world with over 100 indigenous languages.

Land Diving

The modern bungee jumping originated from Vanuatu's Naghol (land diving) ritual on Pentecost Island.

SS President Coolidge

The world's largest accessible wreck dive is the SS President Coolidge off Espiritu Santo.

Kava Culture

Vanuatu produces the strongest kava in the Pacific, an important part of local culture and ceremonies.

Flag Meaning

The boar's tusk symbolizes prosperity, the fern leaf peace, and the yellow Y-shape represents Christianity.