In this post, we’ll talk about Vanuatu. We’ll learn about Vanuatu people, Vanuatu language, Vanuatu religion, Vanuatu map, and we’ll be checking if Vanuatu is a country or a city, if Vanuatu is safe to visit, what to do in Vanuatu while you are there, sightseeing places to visit in Vanuatu!
Introduction to Vanuatu
Oceania is an underrated continent. There are a lot of stunning island countries in Oceania that deserve a boost in their tourism economy. Oceania is a lot more than only Australia and Fiji! There are a lot of underrated countries in Oceania, such as the Marshall Islands, where the real Godzilla comes from,, or Micronesia, where the world’s 8th wonder is!
In this post, we’ll talk about Vanuatu, an Oceanic paradise island country that should definitely be in your travel bucket list.
Let’s dig deep in Vanuatu with Vanuatu’s recent history.
Recent history of Vanuatu
Vanuatu’s colonization by the UK and France
Similar to most other Oceanic island countries (Including Australia and New Zealand), Vanuatu has been colonized by the UK in recent history. France has had a good presence on this continent as well. For example, an Oceanic paradise called New Caledonia is a French territory, even today!
Vanuatu was kind of colonized by both the UK and France!
Vanuatu during WWII
During WWII, Vanuatu was used by the Allies to defeat Japanese forces in Oceania. A lot of American Hellcats used Vanuatu as their landing and departure base against the Japanese army.
Vanuatu’s independence from the UK and France
Vanuatu gained its independence from the UK and France on 30 July 1980 but it had to wait until 15 September 1981 to be admitted to the United Nations as a sovereign state called Vanuatu!
People in Vanuatu
Ethnic groups in Vanuatu
As of 2016, Vanuatu has a population of 272,459 people. The largest ethnic group in Vanuatu is Ni-Vanuatu. Ni-Vanuatu root is Melanesian.
Currently, more than 20,000 Vanuatuan people are working and living in Australia and New Zealand.
Official language in Vanuatu
Vanuatu has three official languages, French, English, and a Vanuatuan language called Bislama. However, about 113 indigenous languages and dialects are being spoken in Vanuatu.
Religion in Vanuatu
The dominant religion in Vanuatu is Christianity. Most of them belong to the Presbyterian Church in Vanuatu that makes Vanuatu the most Presbyterian country in the world.
There’s a small population of 200 Muslims living in Vanuatu as well.
What to do in Vanuatu
Book beach resorts and hotels in Vanuatu
Vanuatu has 82 islands, with some of them being Volcanic-made islands. Many people believe that Vanuatu’s beaches are the most beautiful beaches in Oceania. You can book a beach resort or a hotel in Vanuatu and take advantage of its stunning beaches.
You can choose between precious islands like Iririki Island, Mystery Island, Champagne Beach, or Hideaway island.
Mount Yasur, an Active Volcano in Vanuatu
As it is not very high, the mount Yasur is the most accessible erupting volcano in the world. It is possible to climb to the top of the volcano and observe the permanent eruptions. It is the main reason why Yasur is one of the most touristic places in Vanuatu.
Vanuatu’s culture and traditions
Each side of Vanuatu has a different culture. You’ll notice a lot of local Vanuatuan dancing, Vanuatuan cuisine, and Vanuatuan festivals.
The locals in Vanuatu are very friendly and open to tourists who like to observe unique Vanuatuan traditions and festivals.
