Vanuatu Overview Country Overview Vanuatu, in the Southwest Pacific, forms an incomplete double chain of islands stretching north to southeast for some 900km (560 miles). Together with the Banks and Torres islands, the chains comprise about 40 mountainous islands and 40 islets and rocks. The islands are volcanic in origin and there are five active volcanoes. Vanuatu’s unspoilt landscape and rich cultural heritage make it an attractive destination for the adventurous holiday-maker. Tourism is centered on the islands of Efaté, Tanna and Espiritu Santo. The capital, Port-Vila, is on Efaté Island; its Cultural Centre has one of the most extensive Pacific artefact collections in the world. There are also plenty of opportunities for those interested in watersports. On Pentecost Island during April and May, visitors can, for a fee, see men performing the ritual leap (Naghol) to ensure a bountiful yam harvest; they tie vines to their ankles and leap from a 30m (100ft) tower, falling head first. Only the vine saves them from death. Port-Vila has several nightclubs with music and dancing. Evening cruises are also organised with wine, snacks and island music. General Information Area: 12,190 sq km (4707 sq miles). Population: 193,219 (1999). Population Density: 15.9 per sq km. Capital: Port-Vila (Island of Efaté). Population: 33,700 (1997). GEOGRAPHY: Vanuatu, formerly called the New Hebrides, forms an incomplete double chain of islands stretching north to southeast for some 900km (560 miles). They are situated approximately 2250km (1407 miles) northeast of Sydney, Australia, and 800km (500 miles) west of Fiji. Together with the Banks and Torres islands, the chains comprise about 40 mountainous islands and 40 islets and rocks. The islands are volcanic in origin and there are five active volcanoes. The Ambrym and Lopevi volcanoes are permanently active and highly dangerous. Lopevi was extinct for many years but became active 50 years ago. Further to the south, on the island of Tanna, is Yasur, cited as the most accessible active volcano in the world and a major tourist attraction. Geophysical activity is under constant monitoring by the French scientific organisation, ORSTOM. Most of the islands are densely forested and mountainous with narrow bands of cultivated land along the coasts. Government: Republic. Gained independence from the UK/France in 1980. Head of State: President John Bani since 1999. Head of Government: Prime Minister Edward Natapei since 2001. Language: Bislama (Pidgin English), English and French are the official languages. Bislama, the most widely used day-to-day language, is a Melanesian mixture of French and English. French and English are widely spoken and both English and French names exist for all towns. There are more than 115 local dialects. Religion: Mostly Christian, including Presbyterian, Anglican, Roman Catholic and several other denominations. Time: GMT + 11. Electricity: 240 volts AC. Australian three-pin plugs are in use. Communications:   Telephone IDD is available. Country code: 678. There are no area codes. Outgoing international calls must go through the international operator. There are public telephones at airports and post offices. Phone cards can be purchased in local currency from the post office (e-mail: vanuatupost@vanuatu.com.vu). For emergency services dial 22333 for fire services; 22222 for police; 22100 for an ambulance. Mobile telephone GSM 900. Operators include Smile (website: www.smile.com.vu) and Telecom Vanuatu Ltd (TVL) (website: www.tvl.net.vu). TVL also operates an analogue cellular network compliable with AMPs. Coverage is nationwide. Fax Most hotels and post offices have facilities. Internet ISPs include Vanuatu.Com (website: www.vanuatu.com.vu). There is an Internet cafe in Port-Vila. Telegram Available at the Central Post Office in Port Vila and at main hotels. Post Post offices are located on the main streets in Port Vila and Luganville, on Espiritu Santo. Airmail to Europe takes about seven days. Post office hours: Mon-Fri 0730-1630. Press Vanuatu Weekly is published in English, French and Bislama, Trading Post in English and Port Vila Presse in English and French. The monthly Pacific Island Profile is published in English and French. For tourist information, see the publication Discover Vanuatu. BBC World Service and Voice of America frequencies: From time to time these change. BBC (website: www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice): MHz 15.36 9.740 6.195 3.915 Voice of America (website: www.voa.gov): MHz 17.74 11.71 9.645 6.110 Passport/Visa   Passport Required? Visa Required? Return Ticket Required? British Yes No Yes Australian Yes No Yes Canadian Yes No Yes USA Yes No Yes OtherEU Yes No Yes Japanese Yes No Yes PASSPORTS: Passport valid for a minimum of four months beyond return date required by all. VISAS: Required by all except the following, provided they are in possession of confirmed onward travel documents, for visits of up to 30 days: (a) nationals of countries listed in the chart above; (b) nationals of Commonwealth countries; (c) nationals of French Overseas Departments and Territories and British Dependencies; (d) nationals of Bermuda, Brazil, Chile, China (PR), Cuba, Korea (Rep), Kuwait, Marshall Islands, Mexico, Federated States of Micronesia, Morocco, Norway, Palau, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Russian Federation, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates and Vatican City; (e) transit passengers continuing their journey by the same or first connecting aircraft, provided holding valid onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport. Types of visa and cost: Visitor (for tourist and business purposes): Approximately €38 (if issued in Paris) or Vt2500. Validity: Depends on nationality but is for a maximum of four months. Application to: Honorary Consulate of Vanuatu in Paris (see Contact Addresses section) or Principal Immigration Officer, Private Mail Bag 0092, Port Vila (tel: 22354; fax: 25492). Application requirements: (a) Valid passport. (b) Two passport-size photos. (c) Proof of sufficient funds and/or accompanying business letter. Money Currency: Vatu (Vt) = 100 centimes. Notes are in denominations of Vt5000, 1000, 500 and 200. Coins are in denominations of Vt100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Australian Dollars are also accepted in some shops and restaurants. Currency exchange: Exchange facilities are available at the airport and trade banks. It is advisable to exchange foreign currency after arriving in Vanuatu. Australian Dollars are accepted by many shops, restaurants and hotels in Port-Vila, but rarely outside major towns. There are ATMs at the ANZ Bank and supermarket. Credit & debit cards: MasterCard and Visa are quite widely accepted, American Express and Diners Club less so. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available. Travellers cheques: These are widely accepted. Currency restrictions: There are no restrictions on the import or export of either local or foreign currency. Exchange rate indicators The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the Vatu against Sterling and the US Dollar: Date May ’02 Aug ’02 Nov ’02 Feb ’03 £1.00= 201.17 210.93 212.98 205.00 $1.00= 138.04 138.69 134.68 128.75 Banking hours: Generally Mon-Fri 0800-1500, except Westpac Bank: Mon-Fri 0830-1600. Bureaux de change open Mon-Fri 0800-1730/1800, Sat-Sun 0830-1600. Duty Free The following items may be imported into Vanuatu by passengers aged 15 and over without incurring customs duty: 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; 1.5l of spirits and 2l of wine; 250ml of eau de toilette and 100ml of perfume; other articles up to a value of Vt20,000. Public Holidays Nov 29 2002 Unity Day. Dec 25 Christmas Day. Dec 26 Family Day. Jan 1 2003 New Year’s Day. Mar 5 Custom Chief’s Day. Apr 18 Good Friday. Apr 21 Easter Monday. May 1 Labour Day. May 29 Holy Thursday (Ascension). Jul 24 Children’s Day. Jul 30 Independence Day. Aug 15 Assumption. Oct 5 Constitution Day. Nov 29 Unity Day. Dec 25 Christmas Day. Dec 26 Family Day. Jan 1 2004 New Year’s Day. Mar 5 Custom Chief’s Day. Apr 9 Good Friday. Apr 12 Easter Monday. May 1 Labour Day. May 20 Holy Thursday (Ascension). Jul 24 Children’s Day. Jul 30 Independence Day. Aug 15 Assumption. Oct 5 Constitution Day. Nov 29 Unity Day. Dec 25 Christmas Day. Dec 26 Family Day. Health   Special Precautions Certificate Required Yellow Fever No No Cholera No No Typhoid and Polio 1 N/A Malaria 2 N/A 1: Typhoid is present and vaccination is advised. No cases of poliomyelitis have been reported in recent years. 2: A low to moderate risk of malaria, predominantly in the malignant falciparum form, exists throughout the year everywhere. The strain is reported to be resistant to chloroquine and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine. Food & drink: Mains water is normally chlorinated, and whilst relatively safe may cause mild abdominal upsets. Bottled water is available and is advised for the first few weeks of the stay. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat. Other risks: Hepatitis A, dengue fever and typhoid fever exist throughout the islands. Hepatitis B is endemic. Poisonous fish and sea snakes can be a hazard to bathers. Health care: There are hospitals in Port Vila, Espiritu Santo, Tanna, Malekula, Epi and Aoba, and smaller clinics and medical dispensaries on the smaller islands. Health insurance is advised. Travel - International AIR: The national airline is Air Vanuatu (NF), Level One, 160 Clarence Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia (tel: (2) 9299 9737; fax: (2) 9299 5737; e-mail: sales@airvanuatu.com.au; website: www.airvanuatu.com.au), which offers weekly services between Port-Vila and Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne in Australia, and Auckland (New Zealand). Approximate flight times: From Vanuatu to London is 30 hours. International airports: Port-Vila (VLI) (Bauerfield) is 6km (4 miles) from Port-Vila (travel time – 15 minutes). Buses and taxis are available. Facilities have been upgraded and currently include bank/bureau de change (open during international flight operations), left luggage, duty-free shops (open during international flight operations) and bars. Air passes: The Visit the South Pacific Pass is valid for many airlines operating in the South Pacific, including most of the larger ones, such as Air Caledonie, Air Marshall Islands, Air Nauru, Air Niugingi, Air Pacific, Air Vanuatu, Polynesian Airlines, Qantas, Royal Tongan Airlines and Solomon Airlines. Offering reductions of up to 40 per cent on normal airfares, this sector-based pass allows for flexible island-hopping between the destinations of the Cook Islands, Fiji, Nauru, New Caledonia, Samoa, Tahiti, Tonga, Vanuatu and the more remote Melanesian and Micronesian islands, together with major cities in Australia (Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane) and New Zealand (Chirstchurch, Wellington, Auckland). It is only available for people resident outside of the South Pacific. The journey must be started outside the South Pacific and only one stopover in Australia is allowed. A minimum of two sectors must be bought before departure (extra sectors can be purchased en route). There is a maximum of one pass per person, and passes must be used within six months of the first day of travel. Children under 12 years of age pay 75 per cent of the adult fare. For details and conditions, contact the South Pacific Tourist Organisation (see Contact Addresses section). Departure tax: Vt2800. Children under 12 years of age are exempt. The departure tax must be paid in cash and in local currency (Vatu) only. Travel - Internal AIR: Domestic services are provided by the government-owned Vanair. It offers scheduled services to 29 destinations within the archipelago. The privately owned Dovair airline also offers domestic flights. SEA: Inter-island ferries operate from Port-Vila and Espiritu Santo to the northern and southern islands. Coral and Hibiscus Tours operate boats to various islands. ROAD: Traffic drives on the right. Of the 1130km (702 miles) of road, 54km (32 miles) are paved. There is no public transport. Bus: Private buses serve the town centre and the airport in Port-Vila. Minibus: Frequent services available. As there are no timetables, the most common way to catch a minibus is to flag one down and tell the driver where to go. Taxi: These are plentiful and all are metered, although a fixed rate can be agreed. Car hire: Major car hire operators have offices in Port-Vila. Cars, four-wheel-drive vehicles and jeeps are available. Documentation: A national driving licence is acceptable. Accommodation Vanuatu has several international-standard resorts based in Port-Vila: Chantilly’s in the Bay, Iririki Island Resort, Crown Plaza Resort, Le Meridien Resort, Mangoes Resort (child-free), Poppy’s on the Lagoon (self-contained), Pango Resort, Bokissa Eco Island Resort, Aore Resort, Bouganiville Resort, Beach Front Resort, and a luxury hotel, the Melanesian Port-Vila. There are also plenty of standard hotels and adventure lodges on Port-Vila. A number of smaller resorts with simpler facilities are located on Malekula, Efaté, Espiritu Santo, Tanna and other islands. Conventional hotel-style accommodation as well as self-contained studio apartments, bungalows, guest-houses and lodges are available in all resorts. There is no hotel tax or service charge. Full details are available from the National Tourism Office of Vanuatu (see Contact Addresses section) or the Vanuatu Hotel and Resort Association, PO Box 86, Le Meridien Hotel, Port Vila (tel: 22313; fax: 23817; e-mail: hotelenquiries@meridien.com.vu). CAMPING/CARAVANNING: Camping is allowed on Efaté at Teoma Tropical Gardens where there are showers and toilets but no power generator. For further information, contact Teoma Tropical Gardens (tel: 22748; fax: 27785; e-mail: camping@adventurevanuatu.com). Introduction Vanuatu’s unspoilt landscape and rich cultural heritage make it an attractive destination for adventurous visitors. Tourism is centred on the islands of Efaté, Tanna and Espiritu Santo, but there are plans to develop facilities on more of the islands. The capital, Port-Vila, is on Efaté Island; its Cultural Centre has one of the most extensive Pacific artefact collections in the world. There are also plenty of opportunities for active visitors, especially those interested in watersports. Tanna Island has the world’s most accessible active volcano, Yasur. Visitors can drive to the summit and peer into the crater at a seething mass of bubbling lava. The village of the John Frum cargo cult can also be visited; it began with the arrival of an American soldier in World War II and believers wait for him to return with great riches. Espiritu Santo Island inspired James A Michener to write South Pacific. Here, scuba divers can see where the liner President Coolidge and the destroyer USS Tucker rest on the seabed. On Pentecost Island during April and May visitors can, for a fee, see men performing the Naghol (a ritual leap) to ensure a bountiful yam harvest; they tie vines to their ankles and leap from a 30m (100ft) tower, falling head first. Only the vine saves them from death. Only recently, this ceremony was opened to the public and the fee goes towards local projects. Visitors who are interested should contact the National Tourism Office of Vanuatu well in advance. There are a number of tours available in Vanuatu, including trips to see volcanoes (by air), harbour cruises, sailing trips, fishing trips, cultural tours and visits to World War II relics. Sport & Activities Watersports: The good visibility and warm temperature of Vanuatu’s waters ensure excellent conditions for scuba diving (which can be practised all year round). Most dive operators are located in Port-Vila, on the island of Efaté, and on Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu’s largest island. Dive cruises depart from within walking distance of the town centres and many dive sites are located close to the shore. Internationally recognised certification courses are available, with special provisions for beginners. Dive stores stock a wide range of equipment, which can also be hired easily. Numerous World War II shipwrecks, usually in fairly deep waters, lie scattered around the islands, one of the most famous being the SS President Coolidge. The Million Dollar Point, where military equipment was dumped at the end of the war, can also be visited by divers. The seabed around the offshore islands of North Efaté is renowned for its deep canyons. There is a diving recompression chamber operated by ProMedical Vanuatu at the ProMedical Vanuatu facility, Port-Vila. For further information on diving, contact the Vanuatu Scuba Association (VSA), Tranquility Island Dive Base, PO Box 991, Port-Vila, Vanuatu (tel: 25020; fax: 22979; e-mail: drewco@vanuatu.com.vu). There are many beautiful beaches suitable for swimming and most hotels have pools. Kayaking, game fishing, sailing, windsurfing and water-skiing are also popular. Ornithology: Birdlife is prolific and varied, particularly in the southern islands during the breeding season (September to January). Other: There is a tennis club at Port-Vila and at the resorts. There are also several 9- to 18-hole golf courses; visitors can arrange rounds through hotels or the Vanuatu National Tourism Office (see Contact Addresses section). Horse-riding is available, and it is possible to go hiking through the rainforest and in the mountains. Social Profile Food & Drink: There are many restaurants in the main tourist areas. Seafood features strongly on hotel and restaurant menus in Port-Vila and the main towns. The numerous ethnic backgrounds of the inhabitants of Vanuatu are reflected in different styles of cooking. Chinese and French influences are the strongest. Food is generally excellent everywhere. French cheese, pâtés, bread, cognac and wine are available in Port-Vila’s two major shops. Local fruit is excellent. Nightlife: Port-Vila has several nightclubs with music and dancing. There is also a cinema. Evening cruises are organised with wine, snacks and island music. Traditional music and dancing take place at various island festivities to which visitors are welcome, and some hotels put on evening entertainment and dancing. Details are available from the National Tourism Office of Vanuatu (see Contact Addresses section). Shopping: Special purchases include grass skirts from Futuna and Tanna, baskets and mats from Futuna and Pentecost, carved forms and masks from Ambrym and Malekula, woodwork from Tongoa and Santo, and pig tusks and necklaces made of shells or colourful seeds from villages near Port Vila. Duty-free shops sell a selection of luxury items. Shopping hours: Mon-Sat 0700-2000. Chinese stores open Sunday mornings from 0800 and in the evenings. Most shops close from 1130-1330 (except restaurants, banks, supermarkets and the Post Office). The market in the town centre is open every day (except Sunday) for flowers, fruit, vegetables and handicrafts. Special Events: The ritual of Naghol on Pentecost Island (see Resorts & Excursions section) takes place during April and May. Visitors are also welcome at the traditional ceremonies on Tanna Island, where the foot-pounding Toka dance is performed. Other major celebrations are held on Oct 5 Constitution Day. For a list of special events, contact the National Tourism Office of Vanuata (see Contact Addresses section). Social Conventions: Informal wear is suitable for most occasions. Some establishments appreciate men wearing long trousers in the evenings. Life goes at its own pace and while modern influences can be seen in the main centres, in the hill villages and outlying islands, age-old customs continue. Tipping: Not expected or encouraged, as it goes against local tradition. Business Profile Economy: Agriculture and fishing occupy 40 per cent of the working population. Fruit and vegetables are grown for domestic consumption while coffee, coconuts, copra, beef and fish are the main export commodities. The sale of fishing licences to foreign fleets is another important source of revenue. There is also a sizeable timber industry, originally encouraged by the Government but now strictly regulated in the wake of international pressure. The industrial sector is mostly concerned with food processing and construction. Identified mineral resources, including manganese, gold and copper have yet to be exploited on a commercial scale. While mineral deposits may be of future value to the Vanuatu economy, the Government’s current efforts to diversify the economy are focussed on the service sector, particularly tourism (backed by the construction of new hotels and airport improvements) and ‘offshore’ financial services. Tourism is worth about US$50 million to the economy. A ‘flag of convenience’ shipping register was also created. Despite these efforts, the economy is still vulnerable to its geographical circumstances; a severe earthquake followed by a tsunami in late 1999 caused considerable damage to several islands. Offshore finance has also run into trouble. In April 2002, Vanuatu was one of seven countries ‘named and shamed’ by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), which is spearheading a global assault on money-laundering, for its failure to take adequate measures against the problem. Foreign aid will remain essential to sustain the economy, which is currently growing at two per cent annually. Australia, New Zealand, Japan, the UK and France are the principal donors. These countries, plus Bangladesh, are also the country’s principal trading partners. Business: A casual approach to business prevails. Shirts and smart trousers will suffice – ties are only necessary for the most formal occasions. Business is conducted in Pidgin English or French. Office hours: Mon-Fri 0730-1130 and 1330-1630. Commercial Information: The following organisations can offer advice: Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 189, Port Vila (tel: 27543; fax: 27542; e-mail: vancci@vanuatu.com.vu); or Vanuatu Investment Promotion Authority, First Floor, Pilioko House, Port-Vila (tel: 24096; fax: 25216; website: www.investinvanuatu.com). Climate Subtropical. Trade winds occur from May to October. Warm, humid and wet between November and April. Rain is moderate. Cyclones are possible between December and April. History and Government History: The island group of which Vanuatu is a part has been settled since BC 500. Up to and beyond the 13th century AD, it was at the heart of the empire of Tonga. During the 19th century, the islands making up Vanuatu (then called the New Hebrides) were settled by British and French missionaries, planters and traders. The UK and France eventually agreed on a condominium over the two islands. After World War II, a complex power struggle began between the indigenous islanders and the dual colonial interests over the future political and economic course of the islands. The constitutional position was settled in 1977, at a conference between British, French and New Hebridean representatives, in Paris; it was agreed that the islands should become fully independent within three years. At elections held in November 1979, just a few months before scheduled independence, the Vanuaaku Pati (VP) under Walter Lini, an Anglican priest, took a majority in the 46-member parliament. The VP won further elections in November 1983 and December 1987. During this period, Lini adopted radical, sometimes adventurous policies, both at home and abroad. Vanuatu is the only Pacific island to join the Non-Aligned Movement. It is also a member of the Melanesian Spearhead Group – together with Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands – whose principal aims are to preserve Melanesian cultural traditions and lobby for independence of New Caledonia (Fiji joined the Group in 1996). This, along with opposition to the French Pacific nuclear tests of the mid-1990s, made for difficult relations with Paris, although these improved somewhat while francophone Maxime Carlot held the premiership. Lini’s increasingly erratic behaviour led to him being deposed as VP leader by Donald Kolpokas in 1991. However, Lini gained some revenge when the election of the same year returned the Union of Moderate Parties (UMP), the long-standing opposition to the VP, as the largest grouping (but short of an overall majority). Led by the aforementioned Maxime Carlot, the UMP formed an alliance with other parties and assorted VP defectors to form a government. Those developments established a pattern of splits and factionalism that has dogged Vanuatu’s politics ever since. Corruption scandals have also become commonplace, involving leading members of both the VP and UMP. Maxime Carlot served another term as premier following the November 1995 general election but eventually split from the UMP and formed his own, relatively unsuccessful outfit, the Vanuatu Republikan Pati. Two more administrations, led by VP leader Kolpalkas and Barak Sope – a veteran political figure in Vanuatu with a reputation for dubious business transactions – held office before the most recent poll in April 2002. By this time, Sope, forced out of office due to alleged misuse of government funds (on a scale that could have bankrupted the country), had been replaced by the new VP leader, Edward Napatei. After the closely fought poll, Natapei secured a second term of office. Government: There is a unicameral parliament with 52 members, elected for four years by popular vote and responsible for legislation. Executive power is the responsibility of the Council of Ministers, appointed by the Prime Minister, who is elected by the parliament. The president, who is Head of State, is elected by an electoral college consisting of the parliament of the heads of the regional councils. Copyright © 2003 Columbus Publishing Ltd.