Before independence in 1980, the tropical archipelago of Vanuatu was known as the New Hebrides. It is home to several active volcanoes, and relies on fishing and tourism for economic support.
{\B}{\C 0,0,255}Geography{\N}{\C 0,0,0}
{\B}Location:{\N} Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to Australia
{\B}Map references:{\N} Oceania
{\B}Area:{\N}
{\I}total area:{\N} 14,760 sq km
{\I}land area:{\N} 14,760 sq km
{\I}note:{\N} includes more than 80 islands
{\B}Land boundaries:{\N} 0 km
{\B}Coastline:{\N} 2,528 km
{\B}Climate:{\N} tropical; moderated by southeast trade winds
{\B}Terrain:{\N} mostly mountains of volcanic origin; narrow coastal plains
{\B}Natural resources:{\N} manganese, hardwood forests, fish
{\B}Land use:{\N}
{\I}arable land:{\N} 1%
{\I}permanent crops:{\N} 5%
{\I}meadows and pastures:{\N} 2%
{\I}forest and woodland:{\N} 1%
{\I}other:{\N} 91%
{\B}Irrigated land:{\N} NA sq km
{\B}Environment:{\N}
{\I}current issues:{\N} a majority of the population does not have access to a potable and reliable supply of water
{\I}natural hazards:{\N} tropical cyclones or typhoons (January to April); volcanism causes minor earthquakes
{\I}international agreements:{\N} party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution; signed, but not ratified - Law of the Sea
{\B}Overview:{\N} The economy is based primarily on subsistence farming which provides a living for about 80% of the population. Fishing and tourism are the other mainstays of the economy, with 43,000 visitors in 1992. Mineral deposits are negligible; the country has no known petroleum deposits. A small light industry sector caters to the local market. Tax revenues come mainly from import duties.
{\B}National product:{\N} GDP - purchasing power parity - $200 million (1993 est.)
{\B}National product real growth rate:{\N} NA%
{\B}National product per capita:{\N} $1,200 (1993 est.)
{\I}note:{\N} a flag of convenience registry; includes 21 countries among which are ships of the US 117, Japan 39, Netherlands 12, China 11, UAE 6, Greece 6, Canada 6, Hong Kong 4, Russia 2, Australia 2