Vanuatu Passport

【 Country Name 】 The Republic of Vanuatu.

The land area is 12200 square kilometers, and the marine exclusive economic zone covers 680000 square kilometers. There are a total of 82 islands.

The population is about 320000. Among them, 98% are Vanuatu, a Melanesian, and the rest are French, British, Chinese, Vietnamese, Polynesian immigrants and other Pacific island nations. Two thirds of the population is concentrated on the four islands of Efate, Santo, Malakura, and Tana. The official languages are English, French, and Bislama, with Bislama being widely spoken. There are over 100 dialects in the country. 84% of people believe in Christianity.

【 Capital 】 Port Vila, with an average annual temperature of 25.3 ℃.

President Nikenike Vurobaravu will take office in July 2022 for a term of 5 years.

Independence Day: July 30th.

【 Overview 】 Located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. Belonging to the Melanesian Islands, it consists of approximately 82 islands (of which 68 are inhabited). The largest island, Santo (also known as Espiritu Santo), has an area of 3947 square kilometers. It belongs to a tropical oceanic climate.

Thousands of years ago, Vanuatu people lived here. Discovered by Spanish explorers in 1606. The French came here in 1768. In 1774, Captain Cook of England arrived here and named the area "New Hebrides". In October 1906, Britain and France signed the Convention of Co administration, and the area became a co administered colony of Britain and France. In 1963, the indigenous people established the first political party - the Rural Party, demanding the recovery of land and the achievement of independence. Internal autonomy was implemented in January 1978. Independence was achieved on July 30, 1980. After independence, Walter Lini, the leader of the New Hebrides National Party (later renamed as the Vanuaku Party, abbreviated as the Waku Party), became the first Prime Minister, and Sokomanu became the President.

The Constitution was enacted in 1979 and came into effect in 1980. The Constitution stipulates that the President is elected by an electoral college consisting of 58 members, including the chairpersons of the parliament and local committees, for a term of 5 years. The legislative power belongs to the parliament, and the executive power belongs to the Council of Ministers. The Prime Minister is elected by the parliament and appointed by the Prime Minister as the Minister of the Cabinet. All land in Vanuatu belongs to the indigenous people and their descendants. October 5th is Constitution Day.

[Parliament] A unicameral system with 52 seats and a term of 4 years. Two regular meetings are held annually, and at the request of a majority of members, the Speaker, or the Prime Minister, the Parliament may hold special meetings. The current parliament held its first meeting on November 4, 2022. The current Speaker, S ø ller Simin.

The Cabinet is also known as the Council of Ministers. Prime Minister Charlotte Salwai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Foreign Trade Matai Seremaiah, Minister of Climate Change Adaptation, Meteorology, Geological Hazards, Environment and Energy John Salong, Minister of Land and Natural Resources Rick Tchamako Mahe, Minister of Interior Andrew Solomon Napuat, Minister of Education and Training Simil Kalptu Johnson Youse, Minister of Finance and Economic Management Johnny Koanapo Rasou, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Livestock, Fisheries and Biosafety Javier Imanuel Harry Xavier Emanuel Harry, Health Minister John Still Tari Qetu, Minister of Justice and Community Services John Amos Nalau, Minister of Infrastructure and Public Utilities Marc Ati, Minister of Tourism, Commerce and Indigenous Affairs Samson Samson, Minister of Youth and Sports Development Tomker Netvunei.

The country is divided into six provinces: Tolba, Sama, Panama, Marampa, Shefa, and Tafia, as well as two cities: Port Vila and Luganville.

The judicial system includes appellate courts, the Supreme Court, and local courts responsible for traditional affairs. The Chief Justice is nominated by the Prime Minister and appointed by the President. Current Chief Justice Vincent Lunabeck.

The main political parties are:

(1) Reunification of Movement for Change: Established in 2012. Formed by the departure of the then Vice Chairman of the Moderate Party Alliance, Salvi. During his attendance at the China World Dialogue in 2016, Salvi established inter party relations with the Communist Party of China. Chairman Charlotte Salvi.

(2) Leaders Party of Vanuatu: Established in 2015. Founded by former Director General of the Department of Climate Change, Napat. The party holds high the banner of anti-corruption and calls for sustainable development of Vanuatu's economy, environment, and society. Chairman Yotan Napat. The Vice Chairman is Vice Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Serimaya.

(3) Vanuaaku Party: formerly known as the New Hebrides National Party, established in 1971, is the oldest political party in Vanuatu. In 1977, it was changed to its current name. The party has been in power continuously since the independence of Vanuatu in 1980 under the leadership of the late founding father Walter Lini until 1991. In 1991, the Waku Party split and Walter Lini fled to form the National United Party. In April 1999, the Waku Party officially established an inter party relationship with the CPC, which was the first party in the Pacific island country to establish an inter party relationship with the CPC. Chairman Johnny Konapo.

(4) Union of Moderate Parties: Founded in 1974, it is one of the most influential French political parties in Vanuatu. In 1991, he first came to power under the leadership of then chairman Maxim Coleman and continued until 1998. In 2001, it officially established inter party relations with the CPC. Chairman Alatoyi Ishmer Karsakau.

(5) People's Progressive Party: Established in 2001, formed by Kilman's departure from the Melanesian Progressive Party. In 2005, the party officially established inter party relations with the CPC. Chairman Sato Kilman.

(6) Land and Justice Party: Established in 2010. Claiming respect for land and traditions, believing that chiefs, churches, women, and children are the four pillars of the Wa nation, and promoting national development through protecting the country's land and commerce. Chairman Ralph Regenwanu.

(7) National United Party: Established in 1991, formed by the late founding father Walter Lini's departure from the Waku Party. In March 2004, it officially established inter party relations with the CPC. Chairman Ulrich Sempoto.

[Important Person] Nick Vorobarawu: President. Born on December 3, 1951, in Malo Island, Wazama Province, he obtained a Bachelor's degree in History and Politics from the University of the South Pacific in 1977 and a Master's degree in Diplomacy from the University of Westminster in 1993. He has served as the Ambassador of Vanuatu to China (at no post), Deputy Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum, and Vanuatu's High Commissioner to Fiji. Elected as President in July 2022.

Charlotte Salvi: Prime Minister, Chairman of the United Movement for Change Party. Born in 1964. Entered politics in 1991 and was first elected as a member of parliament in 2002, holding multiple ministerial positions. Prime Minister from 2016 to 2020. Re elected as Prime Minister in October 2023.

Economically backward, graduated from the United Nations list of least developed countries on December 4, 2020. Agriculture and tourism are the pillars of the Wa economy. The service industry and construction industry, mainly driven by tourism, are the main driving forces for the economy. The main economic data for 2023 are as follows:

Gross Domestic Product: 1.17 billion US dollars.

Per capita Gross Domestic Product: 3500 US dollars.

Economic growth rate: 2.2%.

Currency name: Vatu.

Exchange rate: 1 US dollar ≈ 110 Vatu.

(Source: International Monetary Fund)

The original manganese ore mining has been exhausted, and newly discovered resources include a small amount of manganese ore, iron ore, nickel, copper, bauxite, and a large amount of white sulfur volcanic ash. Currently, there are no mining operations. The forest coverage rate is 36%, of which only 20% has commercial mining value. The fishery resources are abundant, with abundant production of tuna.

Due to high prices and production costs in Vanuatu, industrial products lack export competitiveness. Foreign invested industrial products mainly replace imported goods and are sold in Vanuatu. Wa only has small factories for food, wood processing, soap, and other industries.

The climate and terrain of Wa are suitable for agriculture and pasture development. 41% of the country's land is fertile arable land, but only 18% of it has been developed. The rural population accounts for 80% of the national population. The main agricultural products are dried coconut, kava, cocoa, coffee, taro, cassava, sweet potatoes, bananas, etc. The agricultural production method in Wa is backward and developing slowly.

Dozens of foreign fishing boats have cooperated with Vanuatu to fish in its exclusive economic zone. According to the relevant regulations of Vanuatu, foreign fishing vessels can conduct fishing operations in the sea area of 12-200 nautical miles with the consent of Vanuatu. Only Wa citizens and domestic companies are allowed to fish within 12 nautical miles, while fishing within 6 nautical miles is under the jurisdiction of the local provincial government. The commercial fishing industry for local citizens is small-scale.

The tourism industry is one of the pillar industries and the largest source of foreign exchange income in Vanuatu, with an output value accounting for about one-third of the gross domestic product. Most tourists come from Australia, New Zealand, and New Caledonia. The main tourist attractions include Port Vila, Tana, Santo, Malakura, and Pentecost Island.

Transportation facilities are outdated and expensive. Mainly by sea freight. The total length of the highway is about 1900 kilometers, most of which are dirt roads.

Water transportation: The total length of the waterway is 780 kilometers. The maximum tonnage of inter island transport ships is over 200 tons, and most of the existing ships are old and outdated. The capital cities of Vila Port and Santo Port are international seaports that can accommodate 10000 ton merchant ships.

Vanuatu is an emerging flag state, with approximately 600 ships currently flying the Vanuatu flag. The shipping routes between China and Vanuatu include Tianjin/Shanghai Busan Port Vila, Guangzhou Hong Kong Sydney Port Vila.

Air freight: There are airports on all major islands. Port Vila has an international airport. Before the COVID-19, you can fly directly to Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and New Caledonia. Vanuatu Airlines is the only company in Vanuatu that operates international routes, with nearly 10 domestic routes.

In recent years, the telecommunications industry has made significant progress. The telecommunications industry in Vanuatu was previously monopolized by the Vanuatu Telecommunications Company (TVL) authorized by the government, providing fixed line telephone, mobile phone, data communication, and internet services. In 2008, the Vanuatu government broke the monopoly and granted a mobile phone business license to Digicel, a telecommunications company headquartered in Jamaica, stimulating rapid growth in the Vanuatu mobile communication market.

In 2021, the fiscal revenue of Vanuatu was 34.84 billion Vatu, with expenditures of 30.97 billion Vatu and a surplus of 3.87 billion Vatu. As of the end of 2021, Vanuatu's cumulative external debt balance was $371 million, with a debt ratio of 36.7%. The main banks in Wa are:

(1) Reserve Bank of Vanuatu: Established in 1981, it is the central bank of Vanuatu. Formerly known as the Central Bank of Vanuatu, it was renamed to its current name in 1989.

(2) The National Bank of Vanuatu was established in 1991 after taking over the Vanuatu Cooperative Reserve Bank. In November 1998, it merged with the Vanuatu Development Bank and became a state-owned bank.

The main exports of foreign trade include dried coconut, cocoa, beef, and kava. Wa products are mainly exported to the European Union, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and other countries, and imported from Japan, Australia, Singapore, Germany, New Zealand and other countries for food, machinery, chemical products, fuel, etc.

In April 2012, Vanuatu officially became a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO). In recent years, due to some Western countries banning the import of kava on the grounds that it is harmful to human health, the export volume of kava has sharply decreased.

Foreign capital mainly invests in service industries such as trust and insurance, law, accounting, finance, tourism, as well as electricity, communication, and commerce. In 2019, foreign direct investment accounted for approximately 4.2% of Vanuatu's gross domestic product.

On average, Vanuatu receives about 17% of its gross domestic product in foreign aid. Foreign aid mainly comes from Australia, New Zealand, the European Union, France, the United Kingdom, Japan, the Asian Development Bank, United Nations agencies, etc. It is generally used for specific projects such as industry, agriculture, education, healthcare, defense, justice, and administrative management.

There is no regular military force. There are about 900 police and mobile units under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of the Interior. Vanuatu has signed defense agreements with Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea. Wa police and mobile unit personnel have participated in United Nations peacekeeping operations in East Timor and Bosnia, the Bougainville Peace Monitoring Mission in Papua New Guinea, and the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands.

The Ministry of Interior of Vanuatu is the highest leading body for cultural work in Vanuatu, and the National Culture Council, appointed by the Ministry, leads cultural work. The Wa Cultural Center is an institution responsible for organizing and carrying out cultural activities, which includes the National Museum, National Library, Cultural Heritage Registration Office, and National Audio Visual Archives Office.

The Wa education system stipulates that primary school lasts for 6 years, junior high school lasts for 4 years, and high school lasts for 3-4 years. The primary school enrollment rate has reached 95%, but the secondary school enrollment rate is very low. Secondary vocational schools include: National Technical College, Normal College, Nursing School, Police School, etc. The Law School of the University of the South Pacific is located in Port Vila.

The main newspapers and magazines include the Daily Post, which is privately owned and published in English every day (excluding Sundays) with a circulation of 3000-5000 copies.

Vanuatu Broadcasting and Television Corporation: an official news organization that owns Radio Vanuatu and TV Blong Vanuatu. China International Television (CGTN) and China Radio International (CRI) landed in Vanuatu in 2005 and 2007 respectively. The paid international channels that have been launched in Vanuatu also include: RFO/Tele Nouvelle Caledonie，TBN，ABC Australian Network，TV NZ，Telsat Pay TV，LPF Pay TV。

Vanuatu actively participates in international affairs, strengthens traditional bilateral and multilateral partnerships, and is a member of the United Nations, the Non Aligned Movement, the Commonwealth, the Community of French Speaking Countries, the Pacific Islands Forum, the Melanesian Vanguard Group, as well as the World Trade Organization, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and the Asian Development Bank. Emphasize playing a constructive role in the Asia Pacific region, committed to creating a peaceful, harmonious, nuclear free, and effective development environment for regional cooperation. In March 2018, Wa officially became a member of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.

The relationship with the United States was established in 1986. The US Ambassador to Papua New Guinea also serves as the Ambassador to Vanuatu. In 1989, the United States signed an agreement to send peace forces to Vanuatu. Since then, the United States has sent dozens of peace fighters to Vanuatu every year to help develop its education industry. The United States also provides funding for the Wa police and mobile forces to conduct professional training in the United States. In 2005, the United States designated Vale as one of the aid countries for its Millennium Challenge Program, and signed an agreement with Vale in March 2006, promising to provide $65.69 million to Vale for infrastructure construction over the next five years. The United States mainly provides assistance to Vanuatu through the "Peace Corps" in areas such as education, healthcare, and humanitarianism. In addition, the United States also provides development assistance to Vanuatu through institutions such as the World Bank, the United Nations Children's Development Fund, and the World Health Organization. In December 2018, Xue Ruifu, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Asia Pacific Affairs, visited Vanuatu. In September 2022, Vanuatu's President Gorobalawu went to the United States to attend the first US Pacific Island Leaders' Summit. In March 2023, the US Security Council's Indo Pacific Affairs Coordinator Campbell visited Vanuatu.

Vanuatu and Australia established diplomatic relations in 1980. Australia is the largest aid donor to Vanuatu, with a focus on improving education, health, the rule of law, and promoting good governance, including providing funding, materials, consultants, scholarships, and more. There is a defense agreement signed between Vanuatu and Australia. Australia is Vanuatu's largest trading partner and source of imported products. Australia is one of the main source countries for tourism in Vanuatu, with two-thirds of long-term tourists coming from Australia. In March 2015, Australian Foreign Minister Bishop visited Vanuatu. In June 2018, Prime Minister Salvi visited Australia. In January 2019, Australian Prime Minister Morrison visited Vanuatu. In February 2019, Vanuatu's Foreign Minister Reagan Vanuatu visited Australia. In December 2022, Australian Foreign Minister Huang Yingxian led a cross party delegation to visit Vanuatu. In February 2023, Prime Minister Kalsakao of Vanuatu visited Australia. In March 2024, Vice Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Serimaya visited Australia.

Vanuatu established diplomatic relations with New Zealand in 1980. In 1991, the two countries signed a defense cooperation agreement. New Zealand is one of the main aid countries to Vanuatu, allowing seasonal workers to work in areas such as orchard management since 2007. Wa Congxin mainly imports drugs, aircraft parts, wood, steel, refrigerants, and finished oil, and exports fish and fish products, metal waste and scrap, coconut and palm oil, and coffee to the new major markets. Xin is one of the main source countries for tourism in Vanuatu. There is a new High Commissioner's Office in Vanuatu. In June 2016, New Zealand Foreign Minister McCully visited Vanuatu. In August, Prime Minister Salvi of Vanuatu made an official visit to New Zealand. In December 2017, Wa appointed the first Resident High Commissioner and established a High Commissioner's Office in Wellington. In February 2018, Foreign Minister Reagan Vanu visited New Zealand. In August, New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Peters visited Vanuatu. In May 2019, Prime Minister Salvi of Vanuatu made his second official visit to Singapore during his tenure. In June, the new Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Peters visited Vanuatu.

The relationship between Britain and France was originally a joint suzerain state of Vanuatu. In recent years, there have been significant changes in the relationship between Vanuatu and the UK. The UK has reduced its aid to Vanuatu and currently only provides assistance to the education sector. In 2005, the UK closed its High Commissioner's Office in Vanuatu. In July 2019, British High Commissioner Bell submitted his credentials to President Moses of Vanuatu, marking the first time in 14 years that Britain has restored its High Commissioner's Office in Vanuatu and dispatched a permanent High Commissioner to the country. In November 2022, British Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Development, Terry Weilian, visited Vanuatu.

France is one of the main aid countries to Vanuatu and has an embassy in Vanuatu. In recent years, French aid to Vanuatu has mainly involved fields such as education, health, culture, military, and justice. The law has certain defense cooperation with Vanuatu through the military stationed in New Caledonia. In January 2017, Prime Minister Salvi visited France. In April 2018, Prime Minister Salvi went to London to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. In May, Prime Minister Salvi met with French President Macron in New Caledonia. In November 2022, the Secretary of State for Development, French Speaking Countries, and International Partnership Affairs at the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs visited Vanuatu. In February 2023, Vanuatu's Foreign Minister Napat visited France. In July 2023, French President Macron visited Vanuatu.

Japan established diplomatic relations in 1981. The Japanese Ambassador to Fiji also serves as the Ambassador to Vanuatu. Since the 1990s, the relationship between Vanuatu and Japan has developed rapidly. Both parties have established joint venture relationships in areas such as fisheries, meat processing, and tourism. We have assisted in the construction of the Port Vila Airport expansion project, the Santo Hydroelectric Power Station project, a portion of the Efate Island Ring Road, the Port Vila Port reconstruction project, and the Port Vila Central Hospital expansion project. At the same time, Japan dispatched volunteers and experts to provide assistance to Vanuatu in the fields of education, technology, and socio-economic development. In 2015, Vanuatu Prime Minister Natuman attended the 7th Japan Pacific Island Leaders' Meeting held in Fukushima, Japan. In January 2017, Vanuatu's Foreign Minister Rankin attended the Japan Pacific Islands Foreign Ministers' Meeting. In May 2018, Prime Minister Salva went to Japan to attend the 8th Japan Pacific Island Leaders' Meeting. In 2020, Japan established an embassy in Vanuatu. In January 2022, Japanese Deputy Foreign Minister Toshio Takei visited Vanuatu. In July 2024, Vanuatu Prime Minister Salvi went to Japan to attend the 10th Japan Pacific Island Leaders' Meeting.

The relationship between Vanuatu and the European Union is close. The EU is the only government financial aid recipient among Pacific island countries. According to the 11th European Development Fund, the EU will provide approximately 31 million euros in aid to Vanuatu from 2014 to 2020. In October 2014, the European Union and Vanuatu held political consultations in Port Vila, where both sides had in-depth discussions on human rights, governance, and the rule of law. In June 2016, the European Commission's Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development, Mimika, visited Vanuatu. In January 2017, Prime Minister Salvi of Vanuatu led a delegation to attend the fourth annual high-level political dialogue between the European Union and Vanuatu held in Brussels.

Vanuatu, along with Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Fiji, is a member of the Melanesian Vanguard Group (MSG). The group holds an annual meeting to coordinate its stance on regional affairs. The Group Secretariat is currently located in Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu. In September 2017, Vanuatu officially signed the Pacific Closer Economic Relations Agreement (PACER Plus) and joined in October 2022. In July 2022, Wa took over as the rotating chairman of MSG. In August 2022, the 22nd Melanesian Pioneer Group (MSG) Leaders' Summit was held in the capital of Vanuatu, Port Vila.