Because of Vanuatu's dual colonial heritage, both English and French are the official languages, along with bislama, a pidgin language, based on English, that is understood by almost everyone. There are also 115 local languages. The Christians are mainly Presbyterian, Anglican and Catholic, though newer religions are also gaining popularity. While homes in urban areas are made from cement, wood or tin, in villages it is still not unusual to see homes as they have been built for thousands of years from bamboo, with thatched rooves made from palm fronds. Compounds are kept very neat and tidy.
Major exports are copra, cocoa, hardwood timber, beef and coffee, fish and fish products.
Exports are mainly to Japan and Europe. A small light industry sector caters to the local market and provides added value to some exports, such as food and fish freezing, wood processing and meat canning. There are also some manganese deposits. Vanuatu introduced an International Companies Act in 1993, which made it one of the most attractive and competitive offshore financial centres in the world. Tourism is increasingly important, with about 52,000 visitors in 1998.