A state in the southwestern part of the Pacific Ocean (in Oceania). It occupies the archipelago of the New Hebrides and the groups of the Banks and Torres Islands (the largest islands are Espiritu Santo, Malekula, Efate, and others). The total area is 12.2 thousand km². The capital is Port Vila on the island of Efate (34 thousand).
Population - 201 thousand (2004), mainly Melanesians. Official languages - Bislama (pidgin) - state; English and French. The main religion is Christianity (the majority are Protestants: Presbyterians, Anglicans, and others). The currency is the Vatu = 100 cents.
It has diplomatic relations with the Russian Federation (established with the USSR on June 30, 1986).
National holiday - July 30 - Independence Day (1980).
Vanuatu is a republic within the British Commonwealth. According to the 1980 constitution, the head of state is the president (K. Mataskelekele), elected by parliament for a term of 5 years. Legislative power belongs to the National Assembly (52 deputies) - a unicameral parliament elected by the population for a term of 4 years. Executive power is exercised by the government headed by the Prime Minister (H. Lini).
The Portuguese landed on the islands in the early 17th century. Later, they were explored by J. Cook, who named them the New Hebrides. The New Hebrides were a joint possession (condominium) of Great Britain and France from 1906. The territory was administered by an Anglo-French administration. In 1978, in the elections for the National Assembly (parliament), the Vanuatu Party, which advocated for the islands' independence, won. Independence was proclaimed on July 30, 1980.
Vanuatu is a member of the UN (since 1981) and is part of the Non-Aligned Movement.
The basis of the economy is agriculture, in which 80% of the working-age population is engaged. Coconut palms, yams, fruits, coffee trees, and cacao are cultivated. Copra and coconut oil account for 40% of export value. Livestock and fishing are developing. Industry is poorly developed. There are enterprises for wood processing, food production, and textiles. Manganese ore is mined on the island of Efate. In 1988, industrial extraction of diamonds, gold, and silver began on the islands of Malekula and Espiritu Santo. GDP is 310 million dollars. The country is visited by over 30 thousand foreign tourists annually. The national airline "Air Vanuatu" operates.
Education is free. The government allocates over 40% of the national budget for education each year. Approximately 90% of children receive primary education.
The daily newspaper "Vanuatu Weekly" is published (1.7 thousand copies). The regional information agency Pacnews is located in Port Vila.
