Vanuatu, known as New Hebrides under the joint British and French rule prior to 1980, is a collection of ten large islands and many smaller islands in the South West Pacific. The Melanesian inhabitants live an extremely traditional lifestyle evolving around fishing, planting and drinking kava.

Highlights	Facts
Pentecost land diving Mt. Yasur volcano on Tanna Nekowiar Festival, Tanna charming Port Vila Town scuba diving in Espiritu Santo traditional villages and culture	land mass: 5,755 sq. miles population: 185,000 tourists: 54,000 total islands: 80 # of hotels (approx.): 20 language: Bislama, English, French and 100 local dialects temp 0C : Jan 30 ; Jun 26 currency: Vatu V$1 = US$0.75

The scenic town of Port Vila sits overlooking a horseshoe bay on the main island of Efate with tiny offshore Iriki Island and Erakor Lagoon the main concentration of tourism resorts. Outside of Port Vila, rural landscapes, extremely traditional villages and dirt roads take over and there is virtually no accommodation. There are only three islands with decent tourist infrastructure - Tanna is known for its active and often dramatic volcanic activity as well as its traditional villages and ancient ceremonies; Espiritu Santo has great hiking through high mountain ranges, excellent scuba diving and some lovely beaches; and Pentecost is world famous for its extraordinary land diving ceremony. There are guesthouses throughout the islands, many operated by government for its travelling missions, and the islands are well networked by plane. Those with the time and inclination to explore this remote and traditional region will return home with strong and fond memories.

Vanuatu Tour Companies

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