Vanuatu is an island nation situated in South Pacific Ocean. It is an archipelago that consists of more than 80 islands. Most of the islands are of volcanic origin. The island was initially inhabited by Melanesian people. In the 18th century, Europeans started settling here. In 1880s, France and United Kingdom claimed certain parts of the country. Finally in 1906, they arrived on an agreement for jointly administering the country, through a British-French Condominium, as the New Hebrides. However, an independent motion was moved in 1970s and finally, Vanuatu became independent in 1980. For some more interesting and fun facts about Vanuatu, read on.
Interesting and Fun Facts about Vanuatu
- The official name of Vanuatu is 'Republic of Vanuatu'.
- Vanuatu is an archipelago, consisting of approximately 82 islands, which are of volcanic origin.
- The capital, and the largest city, of Vanuatu is Port Villa.
- The official languages of Vanuatu are Bislama, English and French.
- The currency of Vanuatu is Vanuatu vanu.
- The highest point in Vanuatu is Mount Tabwemasana, which has an altitude of 1,879 meters (6,160 ft) and is located on the island of Espiritu Santo.
- Vanuatu lies in the Pacific Ring of Fire.
- Chief Roi Mata's Domain is a World Heritage List Site in Vanuatu, consisting of three early seventeenth century sites, on the islands of Artok, Efate and Lelepa.
- In 1606, the Portuguese explorer, Pedro Fernandez de Quiros, in the service of the King of Spain, arrived in the Vanuatu archipelago.
- The island of Efate was named by Captain Cook, after his patron - Lord Sandwich.
- Christianity is the main religion followed in Vanuatu.
- The traditional drink of Vanuatu is kava, which is made from the roots of piper methysticum.
- The national dish of Vanuatu is 'lap - lap', which can be either savory or sweet. It is made from a vegetable porridge, cooked in coconut milk.
- Vanuatu is acknowledged as a distinct terrestrial eco region, known as the Vanuatu rain forests.
