Vanuatu

Introduction to Vanuatu

The Republic of Vanuatu is an island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean. The archipelago is located some 1,750 km east of Australia, 500 km north-east of New Caledonia, west of Fiji and south of the Solomon Islands. It was named New Hebrides during its colonial period.

In 1906, the French and British agreed to an Anglo-French Condominium on the New Hebrides, as the islands were then known. In the 1960s, the ni-Vanuatu people started to press for self-governance and later independence; full sovereignty was finally granted by both European nations on July 30, 1980.

During the 1990s, Vanuatu experienced political instability, which eventually resulted in a more decentralised government.

Vanuatu is considered by some to be one of the few remaining truly unspoilt island paradises.

Vanuatu is not just one island. It is actually an 83-island archipelago, of which two — Matthew and Hunter — are also claimed by the French overseas department of New Caledonia. Of all the 83 islands, 14 have surface areas of more than 100 square kilometre.

Cultural notes about Vanuatu

Vanuatu culture retains a strong diversity derived through local regional variations and through foreign influence. Vanuatu may be divided into three major cultural regions. In the north wealth is established by how much one can give away (especially pigs, which are consider a symbol of wealth throughout Vanuatu).
In the centre, more traditional Polynesian cultural systems dominate. In the south, a system involving grants of title with associated priviledges has developed.

Young men under go a various coming-of-age ceremonies and rituals to initiate them into manhood.

Visitors are encouraged to display modesty and politeness and to dress in a respectful manner.

Official Canadian government advisories for travelling to, in and around Vanuatu

Most Canadian visitors to Vanuatu do not experience problems. There are no serious security or safety concerns. However, petty crime is prevalent. Exercise normal safety precautions and ensure personal belongings, passports, and other travel documents are secure at all times. Public disturbances occur on occasion. Avoid demonstrations and closely monitor local developments. Travellers, particularly women, should not visit beaches or other isolated areas alone.