Vanuatu

The Republic of Vanuatu is a Pacific island country located in the South Pacific Ocean. Vanuatu is a member of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States, Non-Aligned Movement, Organization international de la Francophonie, Pacific Community, Pacific Islands Forum, United Nations, and World Trade Organization. The country’s population is approximately 270,000 and encompasses a diversity of languages spoken such as French, English, and Bislama.

Vanuatu’s chain of islands is the perfect place to discover a world of sunshine and wild adventures. Deserted beaches, ancient cultures, remote and rugged islands, and world-class diving are just a small part of the magnetism of this scattered 80-plus island archipelago.

Vanuatu is divided into six provinces. All provinces have their signature attractions, which range from water music, snake dancers, and champagne beaches to vibrant cultures, magma-filled active volcanoes, pristine blue holes, and World War II relics.

Port Vila is the capital and largest city of Vanuatu, located on the island of Efate. It is the country’s most important harbor and the center of the country’s trade. It also has an international airport to make travel convenient for tourists and investors.

The four mainstays of the economy are agriculture, tourism, offshore financial services, and raising cattle. Exports include copra, kava, beef, cocoa, and timber. Financial services are also an important part of the economy. The currency in Vanuatu is Vatu (VT), and the country is a tax haven, with no income tax, withholding tax, capital gains tax, inheritance tax, or exchange control. Many international ship-management companies choose to flag their ships under the Vanuatu flag, because of the tax benefits and favorable labor laws.