Vanuatu is situated 2500 km north-east of Sydney (Australia). It is made up of 83 islands in the shape of a "Y", measuring 900 km from northernmost to southernmost point. Its total land mass is approximately 13000 sqkm. The capital is Port Vila on Efate.

Vanuatu is placed right on the Pacific Rim of Fire and many of its rugged, mountainous islands are volcanic. Earth tremors are frequent and several of the islands (especially Tanna, Ambrym and Lopevi) contain active volcanoes. East of Epi an active underwater volcano makes the sea boil at times.

Vanuatu was formerly known as "New Hebrides" and governed by a joint English/French condominium. On the 30th of July 1980 the country became a Republic, gaining its current name and political independence. But the french and british influences are still felt in many areas.

Vanuatu has a population of about 175000 with a majority of Melanesian origin. Two thirds of the population live on the four main islands Efate, Espiritu Santo, Malekula and Tanna. Vanuatu's population is quite young with 45% under the age of 15.

A very strong emphasis is placed on traditional customs to the extend that some villages reject western influence altogether. But on the other hand, Port Vila has a very modern financial centre and boosts its status as a tax haven.

The mainstays of Vanuatu's economy are agriculture with its associated exports (coca, coffee, kava, copra, timber etc) together with tourism and the financial centre.