A Brief History of Vanuatu

Vanuatu – a string of more than 80 islands once known as the New Hebrides – achieved independence from France and Britain in 1980. Most of the islands are inhabited; some have active volcanoes.

Vanuatu is mountainous and much of it is covered with tropical rainforests. Like most of the area, it is prone to earthquakes and tidal waves. In 2015 it was hit by Cyclone Pam which caused widespread damage.

Most of the people live in rural areas and practise subsistence agriculture.

Local traditions are strong. Women, for example, generally have lower social standing than men and have fewer educational opportunities.

The island of Pentecost is home to land diving, a precursor to bungee jumping, which is still practised.

President Of Vanuatu

Nikenike Vurobaravu was elected president in July 2022.

President of Vanuatu
  • The president was elected president in July 2022. He succeeded Tallis Obed Moses.
  • He is a career diplomat and politician who has served in numerous diplomatic and government positions, including as the Vanuatu’s first resident high commissioner to Fiji.
  • The presidency is considered to be a mainly ceremonial post.
  • Prime Minister: Ishmael Kalsakau
  • Ishmael Kalsakau was appointed prime minister in November 2022 following a general elections in October 2022 after a no-confidence vote against the then-prime minister Bob Loughman.

REPUBLIC OF VANUATU: FACTS

  • Capital: Port Vila
  • Area: 12,189 sq km
  • Population: 307,800
  • Languages: Bislama, English, French
  • Life expectancy: 68 years (men) 72 years (women)

Leaders of Vanuatu

Meet the President of Vanuatu, The Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and External Trade.

Prime Minister

A Brief History of Vanuatu

Some key events in Vanuatu's history

550BC

First inhabited by Melanesian people.

1606

Explorer Pedro Fernandez de Quiros leads an expedition to the islands naming them Terra Austrialis del Espiritu Santo.

1768

Louis Antoine de Bougainville names the islands Les Grandes Cyclades.

1774

British explorer Captain Cook charts the islands calling them the New Hebrides.

1800s

Thousands of ni-Vanuatu are kidnapped and forced to work on sugar and cotton plantations in Fiji and Queensland, Australia. The practice, known as "blackbirding", continues until the early 20th Century.

1906

Britain and France make the country a Condominium, under joint administration.

1938

Emergence of the John Frum (also John Brum or Prum) cargo cult. Believers say goods owned by American and European visitors to the island are really meant for them but are intercepted by the foreigners. They believe that their ancestors will one day return with "cargo" for them. The British outlaw any mention of John Frum.

1956

John Frum is recognised as a religion by the Anglo-French Condominium.

1963

The NaGriamel political movement emerges on Espiritu Santo. Followers advocate the return of land to the ni-Vanuatu people and a return to traditional ways.

1971

NaGriamel, anxious that more than 36% of the New Hebrides is now owned by foreign missionaries, planters and traders, petitions the UN to prevent further land sales to non-indigenous people

1977

Representatives of the New Hebrides and the governments of Britain and France agree an independence plan for the islands in 1980 following a referendum and elections.

1978

A measure of self-government introduced.

1980

Jimmy Stevens, the leader of NaGriamel, declares Espiritu Santo independent of the rest of the New Hebrides renaming it the Independent State of Vemarana. Papua New Guinea troops, backed by the Australians, put down the insurrection.

1980

New Hebrides attains independence within the Commonwealth

2003

In response to reforms, the OECD removes Vanuatu from a list of uncooperative tax havens.

2004

Prime Minister Vohor is ousted in a vote of no confidence after an attempt to forge diplomatic relations with Taiwan.

2005

Thousands are evacuated as Mount Manaro, an active volcano on Ambae, erupts.

2012

Diplomatic row with Australia over the arrest of Prime Minister Kilman's secretary on fraud charges. Vanuatu expels an Australian police liaison group in response.

2015

Cyclone Pam causes widespread devastation. President Lonsdale says climate change is a key factor.

Why Vanuatu?

There are many reasons why moving to Vanuatu can be beneficial for you. Vanuatu is a beautiful country with a relaxed lifestyle and friendly people. The cost of living is very low, and there are plenty of opportunities to earn an income. Vanuatu is also a great place to live if you want to be close to nature. The climate is perfect for growing fruits and vegetables, and there are plenty of beaches and hiking trails to explore.

The relaxed lifestyle can benefit those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The weather is amazing. Vanuatu is located in the South Pacific and enjoys warm weather year-round. You can enjoy the sun and beach days if you live in Vanuatu. And Vanuatu is a great place to raise a family, as the nation offers great schools and a safe environment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, moving to Vanuatu can be a game changer. When you move to Vanuatu, you can expect to find a tropical paradise perfect for raising a family or starting a business. The locals are friendly and welcoming, the scenery is stunning, and the climate is great. Plenty of activities keep you entertained, and the cost of living is very reasonable.

So if you’re considering moving to Vanuatu, don’t hesitate – it could be the best decision ever!

Vanuatu is a South Pacific Ocean nation made up of roughly 80 islands that stretch 1,300 kilometre’s. The islands offer scuba diving at coral reefs, underwater caverns and wrecks such as the WWII-era troopship SS President Coolidge. Harborside Port Vila, the nation’s capital and economic center, is on the island of Efate. The city is home to the Vanuatu National Museum, which explores the nation’s Melanesian culture. Welcome to Vanuatu.

Contact us

Vanuatu Trade Commission – Ghana,
P.O Box BT 139 Tema Ghana, West Africa.

Plot #3 Behind Home Depot Supermarket Off Comm 25 Estate Junction, Devtraco Road.

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