About Vanuatu

About Vanuatu

Geography

Vanuatu is a string of 83 individual lush green islands some 800km west of Fiji, 2,450 km northeast of Sydney and home to a population of ~206,000 inhabitants.

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[Champagne beach Vanuatu]

Stretching almost 1300km in a Nth/Sth direction and ranging from the Torres Islands by Santa Cruz in the Solomons to the tiny Matthew and Hunter Islands east of New Caledonia, the geography varies considerably.

From the massive volcanic cones covered in dense, lush tropical rainforest to beautiful sandy unspoiled beaches, Vanuatu has a wide range of interesting places to explore and the coral islands and atolls are simply some of the best in the Pacific.

The three main groups of islands include:
• The Torres and Banks Islands in the north,
• The Y-shaped central group from Espiritu Santo and Maewo to Efate
• Tafea islands (Tanna, Aniwa, Futuna, Erromango, and Aneityum) in the south.

Together they comprise 12,226 square km. There are many small islands and around 95% of the land area is claimed by the largest 12 islands, 63 of which are inhabited.

[Champagne beach Vanuatu]

Poised on the western edge of the Pacific Plate and right beside the New Hebrides Trench which drops to 800m, the area is home to regular minor seismic activity and in fact Vanuatu’s islands are moved 10cm annually in a northwest direction. Minor tremors been a part of daily life since life began and the locals only get concerned when things go quiet. Often visitors don’t even notice the minor tremors.

The History

Until 1980, this was the New Hebrides or more formally known as the Anglo-French New Hebrides Condominium, jointly administered by an Anglo/French regime. In 1980 the country gained it’s independence and was transformed into Ripablik Blong Vanuatu.

The People

[Mahimahi fishing in Vanuatu] The population of Vanuatu is predominantly Melanesian, and since independence, the national identity and culture has grown from Melanesian roots. Today Vanuatu is a culturally diverse country with small communities of French, British, Australian, New Zealand, Vietnamese, Chinese and other Pacific Islands people living in harmony with the original inhabitants, the Ni Vanuatu.

The Ni Vanuatu have populated the islands for centuries and with more than 115 distinctly different cultures and languages, are still thriving. The Ni-Vanuatu people are a relaxed and gentle race who enjoy life's simpler pleasures in this land of colourful customs and culture. You’ll be welcomed and touched by the friendliness and warmth of the people on your visit to Vanuatu.

• Languages: Bislama, English and French.
• Religion :Predominantly Christian. Visitors are welcome to attend Sunday services. Many of the shops and markets close on Sundays. Some Chinese-owned shops and supermarkets may be open and, at the resorts, it's business as usual.
• Clothing: Light and casual, but not too brief in public places. Tropical clothes for evening wear - no ties.
• Currency: Vatu (Vt)

Culture and the arts

[Mahimahi fishing in Vanuatu] The style of art in Vanuatu varies from island to island, like the customs and traditions. Carving is a traditional art and there are many fine painters, weavers and potters. Handicraft Blong Vanuatu, located in the centre of Port Vila provides a wide selection of authentic handicrafts from many islands of Vanuatu. You will also find handicraft at Art Blong Yumi and Goodies.

There are experiences for the traveller not found anywhere else in the world like the Pentecost Land Dive (the first bungy jump) and the Toka Ceremony on the island of Tanna. Contrasts of Duty free shops, casinos and bars in Vila on the main island of Efate.

Important annual events include the Jon Frum Festival at Sulphur Bay, Tanna, on 15 February, and the Pentecost Land Dive weekly in April and May. Independence Day sees a parade, food and kava stalls, sporting events, and custom dancing in Port Vila. In addition to what follows, the Monday or Friday before Independence Day is Children's Day, also a public holiday.

Climate

[Mahimahi fishing in Vanuatu] Vanuatu ranges from a typical tropical climate in the north to an almost subtropical climate in the South. The rainy season is from November to March/April with an average temperature during this period of 28°C and you can expect it to be hot, wet and humid. This is also tropical cyclone time as the Northerly quarter winds push down tropical depressions.

Between 1970 and 1985 Vanuatu was 29 tropical cyclones and on average locals expect a decent one every other year. While the southeast trade winds blow steadily all year, and are often stronger April through October, generally it is calmer from April to October with the temperature averaging 24°C.

And that’s very pleasant if you’re escaping the NZ or Australian winter. Sea temperatures range from around 28 degrees in summer to 22 in winter. The southernmost subtropical islands are less vulnerable to tropical cyclones have a drier, cooler climate than the islands north of Efate.

Fishing bite times Fishing bite times

Major Bites

Minor Bites

Major Bites

Minor Bites

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