Vanuatu Views

Port Vila, located on the south coast of the island of Efate, is the capital city of Vanuatu and it’s largest city. The population of Port Vila is estimated to be around 38,000, up from the 1999 official census of 29,356. The population is mainly Melanesian, with small Polynesian, Asian and European populations. Port Vila has a tropical climate; hot and humid. Rainfall averages about 2,360 millimetres (94 in.) per year.

Port Vila is the economic and commercial centre of Vanuatu; the local currency is called ‘vatu’. Vanuatu was formalized in 1906 as an Anglo-French Condominium, gaining independence from its former colonial rulers on 30 July, 1980. During World War II, Port Vila was an American and Australian airbase.

Port Vila is Vanuatu’s main harbour and the centre of the country’s trade; a third of exports leave from Port Vila, with around 90% of imports into the country arriving in Port Vila. The international airport, Bauerfield International, is also located in the city. Major industries are agriculture and fishing and tourism; there were over 50,000 visitors in 1997.

Vanuatu is a tax haven, and offshore financing in Port Vila is an important part of the economy. Vanuatu is still dependent on foreign aid, most of which comes from Australia, New Zealand and the Peoples Republic of China.

Three official languages are spoken in Vanuatu – English, French and Bislama (Pigeon English). In Port Vila, Bislama is spoken by as the day-to-day language, with English and French widely understood. Christianity is the predominant religion across all of Vanuatu, followed by more than 90% of the population. The largest denomination is the Presbyterian Church, followed by one third of the population. Roman Catholicism and the Church of Melanesia are also common, each about 15%.

Vanuatu is a reasonably safe place., although malaria can be a problem away from the main centres. Traffic is low, with few traffic lights, and a reasonable standard of driving. In vanuatu, they drive on the right hand side. It is a quiet, low-key, conservate country. Because of the missionary influence, Vanuatu women dress quite conservatively; a lot of them wear the colorful, distinctive ‘Mother Hubbard’ dresses. Tourists can wear what they like in a resort- but when you’re out and about it’s respectful and polite not to walk around in clothes that are too revealing.

The pace is slow and sleepy; take it easy! Snorkelling, scuba diving and cruises are popular; there are also traditional village tours, a fantastic active volcano (on Tanna island), various resorts, tours around islands. If you’re away from the capital Port Vila, you can go a while without seeing too many other tourists. Getting around is very easy; buses are plentiful and cheap – they can be flagged down like taxis and they take you where you want to go. Taxis are not much more expensive than buses if there are more than two or three of you.

The water and countryside is incredibly beautiful, the local people are delightful and very friendly; all in all, Vanuatu is a great place to visit. Most tourists based themselves in Port Vila, with diving in Santo, the tanna volcana, and the Pentecost land dives significant side trips. The beauty of Port Vila harbour makes it a popular stopover for Pacific Islands cruises (Do not expect the normal slow gentle pace if a cruise ship is in town Enjoy one of the worlds most unspoilt spots!

Now enjoy a day out in Port Vila with a cruise ship visitor!