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Flag of VanuatuMelanesia

Vanuatu

Vanuatu is a country or territory in Melanesia. Its capital is Port Vila.

MelanesiaOceania6 divisions
Population
328K26.9 /km²
Surface area
12,190 km²
GDP
$1.1B$3K per capita
Capital
Port Vila

Vanuatu is located in Melanesia, and its capital is Port Vila. It has a population of approximately 327,777 and covers an area of about 12,190 km². Its official currency is the Vanuatu vatu (VUV).

What stands out

People & place

26.9 /km² across 12,190 km²

Vanuatu has a recorded population of 327,777 and a reported surface area of 12,190 km².

Economic snapshot

$1.12 billion nominal GDP

Nominal GDP is recorded at $1.12 billion and GDP per capita at $3,411 for 2024. These measures do not describe income distribution or household wealth.

Practical reference

Vanuatu vatu (VUV)

Vanuatu uses Vanuatu vatu (VUV), calling code +678, internet domain .vu.

About Vanuatu

Vanuatu is a sovereign island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean, known for its volcanic landscapes and vibrant indigenous cultures.

The country consists of 83 islands, of which 65 are inhabited, spread over a chain of volcanic peaks and coral reefs. Its total area is approximately 12,200 km².

Vanuatu is rich in Melanesian traditions, featuring dozens of distinct tribes, each with unique customs, music, and ceremonies. The famous Landship Festival celebrates this heritage.

Formerly the New Hebrides, Vanuatu gained independence from joint British and French colonial administration in 1980. The nation has since maintained a stable democratic system.

Key facts

  • Vanuatu comprises 83 islands in the South Pacific.
  • Its capital city is Port Vila on the island of Efate.
  • Official languages include Bislama, English, and French.

This overview is AI-assisted and grounded with available atlas facts and reference material. Treat linked primary data as authoritative. Read the methodology.

Country data & reference

Capital

Port Vila

Population

327,777 (26.9 /km²)

Surface Area

12,190 km²

GDP

$1.12 billion (2024)

GDP per Capita

$3,411 (2024)

Region / Subregion

Oceania / Melanesia

Native Name

Vanuatu

Nationality

Ni-Vanuatu, Vanuatuan

Phone Code

+678

Top-Level Domain

.vu

ISO Codes

VU / VUT

Coordinates

-16, 167

Time zones

  • Pacific/Efate (UTC+11:00)

Population, area and economic figures use the latest available values from World Bank Open Data; reporting years can vary by country. See sources and methodology for indicator definitions, mapping attribution, and editorial limitations.

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Vanuatu: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the capital of Vanuatu?

The capital of Vanuatu is Port Vila.

What is the population of Vanuatu?

Vanuatu has a recorded population of approximately 327,777 people.

How big is Vanuatu?

Vanuatu covers an area of about 12,190 km².

What is the population density of Vanuatu?

Vanuatu has a population density of roughly 26.9 /km² (people per square kilometre).

What is the GDP of Vanuatu?

Vanuatu has a gross domestic product (GDP) of approximately $1.12 billion as of 2024.

What is the GDP per capita of Vanuatu?

Vanuatu has a GDP per capita of approximately $3,411.

What currency is used in Vanuatu?

Vanuatu uses the Vanuatu vatu (VUV), with the symbol VT.

Where is Vanuatu located?

Vanuatu is located in Melanesia, Oceania.

What are people from Vanuatu called?

People from Vanuatu are referred to as Ni-Vanuatu, Vanuatuan.

What is the phone calling code for Vanuatu?

The international dialing code for Vanuatu is +678.

What is the internet domain for Vanuatu?

The country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Vanuatu is .vu.

What time zone is Vanuatu in?

Vanuatu uses the Pacific/Efate time zone.

What is Vanuatu known for?

Vanuatu is a sovereign island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean, known for its volcanic landscapes and vibrant indigenous cultures.