Overview
Vanuatu is a Y-shaped archipelago in the Melanesian Islands of the South Pacific. Combined, Vanuatu's 83 islands have an area of 4,710 square miles (12,200 square kilometers), which is nearly as large as Connecticut. The largest 12 islands comprise 93 percent of this area. The capital, Port Vila, is located on Efate, the third-largest island after Espiritu Santo (usually called just “Santo”) and Malekula. Most islands are mountainous and covered by thick vegetation. Vanuatu has several active volcanoes, including Tanna Island's Mount Yasur and Gaua Island's Mount Garet. In Vanuatu's tropical climate, cyclones strike frequently during the hot and humid rainy season (November to April). The risk is low during the dry season (May to October), when humidity and temperatures are more temperate. Average high temperatures stay between 75 and 85°F year-round.

A brief rebellion by French settlers and plantation workers on Espiritu Santo took place in May 1980. Britain, France, and Papua New Guinea sent soldiers, who quelled the revolt, which the new government said was financed by the Phoenix Foundation, a right-wing U.S. group. In July 2002, former Prime Minister Barak Sope was convicted of forgery. Alfred Maseng was elected president in April 2004, but he was forced to step down when his criminal record was revealed. In Aug. 2004, Kalkot Mataskelekele was selected from 16 candidates as the new president. He is the country's first president to hold a university degree.

Economic development has been slow since independence, and Vanuatu remains heavily dependent on foreign aid. Though tourism is increasing in importance, agriculture continues to dominate the economy. Corruption and fraud have at times destabilized the government, but Vanuatu has avoided the civil unrest that has affected other nations in the region.

Vanuatu has the world's largest number of languages per capita, with more than 100 local languages spoken throughout the islands. Most people speak their local language and Bislama, an English-based pidgin that developed during the blackbirding era to allow communication between traders and Ni-Vanuatu. Bislama is primarily an oral language, but when written, it is written phonetically. The nation's official languages, English and French, are not generally used for everyday conversation. Primary and secondary students are taught in either English or French. About 90 percent of Ni-Vanuatu are Christians. Presbyterians account for 31 percent of the population, Anglicans 13 percent, Roman Catholics 13 percent, and Seventh-day Adventists 11 percent.

About 80 percent of the population is engaged in agricultural activities. These range from subsistence farming to farms of copra, cacao, and other cash crops. With few exports, high transportation costs between islands, and vulnerability to natural disasters, Vanuatu's economic development has been largely stagnant. The economy relies heavily on international aid. Tourism is the fastest growing economic sector. Students who learn English and French in school have a greater chance of working in the tourism industry. Vanuatu has been regarded as an offshore tax haven since before independence, though the government has sought to tighten the regulation of banking institutions. Jobs are scarce, with most in the public sector (provincial officers and teachers). Often young people move to Luganville and Port Vila in the hope of finding work.

World Vision’s Work
World Vision opened its office in Vanuatu in 1983. Early efforts included local leadership development and income generating projects in fishing, poultry, and other micro-businesses.

Currently, World Vision focuses on integrated community development programs to empower Vanuatu’s rural population with the relevant skills to manage their own resources and provide for their families.

Nearly 1,300 children are sponsored in Vanuatu. Community-based initiatives are addressing local needs related to health, education, economic development, and capacity building.

NOTE: World Vision’s United States office is not currently funding projects in Vanuatu.