Vanuatu

QUICK INFO

Name: The Republic of Vanuatu

Population: approx. 286,429

Capital: Port Vila

Language: Bislama

Currency: Vanuatu Vatu (VUV)

Time zone: VUT (UTC +11)

MORE ABOUT VANUATU

Vanuatu consists of 83 islands located about 800 kms west of Fiji and 2,250kms northeast of Sydney. Until the explorers and missionaries arrived around the 15th century, Vanuatu had been home to Melanesians for over 3,500 years. It now has a Westminster parliamentary style of democracy since its independence on 30th July 1980, after more than 70 years of rule by Great Britain and France. Its original name given by Capt James Cook in 1774 was New Hebrides and the legal system is based on British law. The population is 95% indigenous “Ni-Vanuatu” of Melanesian descent.

Vanuatu for many years already has been a financial centre, without any personal or corporate taxes nor any tax treaties with foreign countries. On all goods and services a Value Added Tax (VAT) is charged at 12.5%.There are exports of copra, manganese, hardwood and beef, whilst Tanna Island is famous for its excellent coffee grown there.