The total number of islands in the Vanuatu group is 83, of which there are twelve main islands, the largest being Espiritu Santo. It is 16 hours ahead of New York. The local currency is the Vatu. For the latest currency exchange rate, Currency Converter . The capital city is Port Vila, with almost 20,000 people.
Major exports are tourism, copra, cocoa, hardwood timber, beef and coffee, fish and fish products.
The International Companies Act in 1993 made Vanuatu one of the most attractive and competitive offshore financial centres in the world. There is no income tax, and tax revenues come mainly from import duties and goods and services tax. Most roads are on the perimeter of the islands. For useful Vanuatu links, visit our Links page. Questions and comments on our website are welcome.