Geography & Economy in Vanuatu
Vanuatu Islands are a Y–shaped chain of 83 islands 2500km northeast of Sydney (Australia), 2000km north of Auckland (New Zealand) and 800km west of Nadi (Fiji), occupying an area of 13,000sq km. The islands offer a diverse range of scenery, from towering volcanic cones and coastal plains, to raised coral atolls with wide beaches and deep natural harbours. Vanuatu lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire. Most of its islands are volcanic in origin, with steep, rugged terrain. Today, there are nine active volcanoes (seven on land), as well as thermal springs and fumaroles.
The country’s laid-back capital is Port Vila, on the main island of Efate. Built around beautiful Vila Bay, the city’s steep hillsides enjoy stunning views over the bay and offshore islands. Vanuatu’s largest island is Espiritu Santo (commonly known as Santo) which also boasts the country’s highest peak – Mt Tabwemasana (1879m).
The country is divided into six provinces: Tafea (Erromango, Tanna, Aneityum, Futuna and Aniwa), Shefa (Efate and The Shepherd Islands), Malampa (Ambryn, Malakula, Paama), Penama (Pentecost, Maewo, Ambae), Sanma (Santo, Malo, Aore, Tutuba & Bokissa) and Torba (The Torres Islands, Vanua Lava, The Banks Islands and Gaua).
Economy Vanuatu’s volcanic soil is one of its greatest assets, and agriculture dominates the country’s export income. Copra (dried coconut meat), cocoa, coffee, beef, timber are the major export earners. Throughout the Outer Islands, the coastal plains are devoted to large coconut plantations while inland, the huge demand of kava locally and abroad has made it the fastest growing agricultural commodity.