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| Vanuatu
General Info |
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Area
12,190 square kilometres (4,707 square miles).
Population
222,000 people (United Nations estimate in 2005).
Population
Density
18.2 people per square kilometre.
Capital
Port - Vila (on the Island of Efaté).
Population
of Suva
30,139 people (1999 estimate).
Geography
Some key geographical facts:
Vanuatu was previously called the New Hebrides, and forms an incomplete
double chain of islands stretching north to southeast for about
900 kilometres (560 miles).
They are located approximately 2,250 kilometres (1,407 miles) northeast
of Sydney, Australia, and 800 kilometres (500 miles) west of Vanuatu.
Together with the Banks and Torres islands, the chains include about
40 mountainous islands and 40 islets and rocks.
The islands are volcanic in origin and there are 5 active volcanoes.
The Lopevi and Ambrym volcanoes are constantly active and highly
dangerous.
Lopevi was extinct for several years but became active 50 years
ago.
Further to the south, on the island of Tanna, is Yasur, cited as
the most accessible active volcano in the world and a huge tourist
attraction.
Geophysical activity is under constant observation by the French
scientific organisation, IRD (Institut de recherche pour le développement).
The majority of the islands are densely forested and mountainous
with narrow bands of cultivated land along the coasts.
Government
There is a unicameral parliament with 52 members,
elected for 4 years by popular vote and responsible for legislation.
Executive power is the dependability of the Council of Ministers,
appointed by the Prime Minister, who is elected by the Parliament.
The President, who is Head of State, is elected by an electoral
college which consists of the Parliament of the heads of the regional
councils.
Vanuatu is a Republic country, which gained independence from the
United Kingdom / France in 1980.
The Head of State
has been President Kalkot Mataskelekele since 2004.
The Head of Government has been Prime Minister
Ham Lini since 2004.
Recent history
In July 2004, Serge Vohor became Prime Minister
(for the 3rd time), only to be ousted on a vote of no confidence
in December 2004, following a controversial move on Vohor's part
to attempt to switch diplomatic recognition from China to Taiwan
without even 1st (reputedly) consulting his Ministers. He was quickly
replaced by Ham Lini, who rapidly revoked the agreements
with Taiwan that had been signed. Kalkot Mataskelekele's post as
President has been, by comparison, extremely stable. However, parties
in Vanuatu have been subject to splits and factional disputes; these
have dogged Vanuatu’s politics throughout the last decade.
Language
English
and French are the official languages in Vauatu.
Bislama (Pidgin English), the most largely used day to day language,
is a Melanesian mixture of French and English. French and English
are hugely spoken and both English and French names exist for all
towns. There are over 115 local dialects.
Religion
Religions which exist in Vanuatu are mostly Christian,
including Anglican, Presbyterian, Roman Catholic and many other
denominations.
Electricity
240 volts AC. Australian 3 pin plugs are in use. |
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