US State Dept Travel Advisory: The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens Reconsider Travel due to crime, terrorism, and COVID-19. Exercise increased caution due to civil unrest and kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements: US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required as long as you do not stay in the country more than 89 days.
US Embassy/Consulate: [57] (1) 275-2000; US Embassy in Bogota, Carrera 45 No. 24B-27 Bogotá, D.C. Colombia; https://co.usembassy.gov/; ACSBogota@state.gov
Telephone Code: 57
Local Emergency Phone: 119
Vaccinations: An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations.

http://www.who.int/
Climate: Tropical along coast and eastern plains; cooler in highlands
Currency (Code): Pesos (COP)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s): 110 V / 60 Hz / plug types(s): A, B

Major Languages: Spanish
Major Religions: Roman Catholic 79%, Protestant 14%
Time Difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water: Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit: Suggested; additionally, if you plan to drive in Colombia, you will need an Inter-American Driving Permit issued by the AAA
Road Driving Side: Right
Tourist Destinations: Salt Cathedral; Tayrona National Park; Monserrate; Santuario de Las Lajas; Los Nevados National Park; Cartagena; Cano Cristales; Qhapaq Nan/Andean Road System; San Agustin Archaeological Park; National Archeological Park of Tierradentro
Major Sports: Soccer, boxing, shooting sports, taekwondo, wrestling, tejo (involves throwing a disc at a small target)
Cultural Practices: Roses are well-received gifts in Colombia, but marigolds and lilies are disliked because of their association with funerals.
Tipping Guidelines: A 10% tip is common at restaurants. Taxi drivers are rarely tipped. An appropriate tip for a porter/bellboy is about $1 (USD) per bag. It is also good tipping etiquette to leave a small gratuity of about $1-2 (USD) per day for housekeeping.Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.

World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.

US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.

To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)

How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444

Page last updated: Friday, March 25, 2022


This entry provides the identifying terms for citizens - noun and adjective.

Topic: Afghanistannoun: Afghan(s)

adjective: Afghan

Topic: Albanianoun: Albanian(s)

adjective: Albanian

Topic: Algerianoun: Algerian(s)

adjective: Algerian

Topic: American Samoanoun: American Samoan(s) (US nationals)

adjective: American Samoan

Topic: Andorranoun: Andorran(s)

adjective: Andorran

Topic: Angolanoun: Angolan(s)

adjective: Angolan

Topic: Anguillanoun: Anguillan(s)

adjective: Anguillan

Topic: Antigua and Barbudanoun: Antiguan(s), Barbudan(s)

adjective: Antiguan, Barbudan

Topic: Argentinanoun: Argentine(s)

adjective: Argentine

Topic: Armenianoun: Armenian(s)

adjective: Armenian

Topic: Arubanoun: Aruban(s)

adjective: Aruban; Dutch

Topic: Australianoun: Australian(s)

adjective: Australian

Topic: Austrianoun: Austrian(s)

adjective: Austrian

Topic: Azerbaijannoun: Azerbaijani(s)

adjective: Azerbaijani

Topic: Bahamas, Thenoun: Bahamian(s)

adjective: Bahamian

Topic: Bahrainnoun: Bahraini(s)

adjective: Bahraini

Topic: Bangladeshnoun: Bangladeshi(s)

adjective: Bangladeshi

Topic: Barbadosnoun: Barbadian(s) or Bajan (colloquial)

adjective: Barbadian or Bajan (colloquial)

Topic: Belarusnoun: Belarusian(s)

adjective: Belarusian

Topic: Belgiumnoun: Belgian(s)

adjective: Belgian

Topic: Belizenoun: Belizean(s)

adjective: Belizean

Topic: Beninnoun: Beninese (singular and plural)

adjective: Beninese

Topic: Bermudanoun: Bermudian(s)

adjective: Bermudian

Topic: Bhutannoun: Bhutanese (singular and plural)

adjective: Bhutanese

Topic: Bolivianoun: Bolivian(s)

adjective: Bolivian

Topic: Bosnia and Herzegovinanoun: Bosnian(s), Herzegovinian(s)

adjective: Bosnian, Herzegovinian

Topic: Botswananoun: Motswana (singular), Batswana (plural)

adjective: Motswana (singular), Batswana (plural)

Topic: Brazilnoun: Brazilian(s)

adjective: Brazilian

Topic: British Virgin Islandsnoun: British Virgin Islander(s)

adjective: British Virgin Islander

Topic: Bruneinoun: Bruneian(s)

adjective: Bruneian

Topic: Bulgarianoun: Bulgarian(s)

adjective: Bulgarian

Topic: Burkina Fasonoun: Burkinabe (singular and plural)

adjective: Burkinabe

Topic: Burmanoun: Burmese (singular and plural)

adjective: Burmese

Topic: Burundinoun: Burundian(s)

adjective: Burundian

Topic: Cabo Verdenoun: Cabo Verdean(s)

adjective: Cabo Verdean

Topic: Cambodianoun: Cambodian(s)

adjective: Cambodian

Topic: Cameroonnoun: Cameroonian(s)

adjective: Cameroonian

Topic: Canadanoun: Canadian(s)

adjective: Canadian

Topic: Cayman Islandsnoun: Caymanian(s)

adjective: Caymanian

Topic: Central African Republicnoun: Central African(s)

adjective: Central African

Topic: Chadnoun: Chadian(s)

adjective: Chadian

Topic: Chilenoun: Chilean(s)

adjective: Chilean

Topic: Chinanoun: Chinese (singular and plural)

adjective: Chinese

Topic: Christmas Islandnoun: Christmas Islander(s)

adjective: Christmas Island

Topic: Cocos (Keeling) Islandsnoun: Cocos Islander(s)

adjective: Cocos Islander

Topic: Colombianoun: Colombian(s)

adjective: Colombian

Topic: Comorosnoun: Comoran(s)

adjective: Comoran

Topic: Congo, Democratic Republic of thenoun: Congolese (singular and plural)

adjective: Congolese or Congo

Topic: Congo, Republic of thenoun: Congolese (singular and plural)

adjective: Congolese or Congo

Topic: Cook Islandsnoun: Cook Islander(s)

adjective: Cook Islander

Topic: Costa Ricanoun: Costa Rican(s)

adjective: Costa Rican

Topic: Cote d'Ivoirenoun: Ivoirian(s)

adjective: Ivoirian

Topic: Croatianoun: Croat(s), Croatian(s)

adjective: Croatian

note: the French designation of "Croate" to Croatian mercenaries in the 17th century eventually became "Cravate" and later came to be applied to the soldiers' scarves - the cravat; Croatia celebrates Cravat Day every 18 October

Topic: Cubanoun: Cuban(s)

adjective: Cuban

Topic: Curacaonoun: Curacaoan

adjective: Curacaoan; Dutch

Topic: Cyprusnoun: Cypriot(s)

adjective: Cypriot

Topic: Czechianoun: Czech(s)

adjective: Czech

Topic: Denmarknoun: Dane(s)

adjective: Danish

Topic: Djiboutinoun: Djiboutian(s)

adjective: Djiboutian

Topic: Dominicanoun: Dominican(s)

adjective: Dominican

Topic: Dominican Republicnoun: Dominican(s)

adjective: Dominican

Topic: Ecuadornoun: Ecuadorian(s)

adjective: Ecuadorian

Topic: Egyptnoun: Egyptian(s)

adjective: Egyptian

Topic: El Salvadornoun: Salvadoran(s)

adjective: Salvadoran

Topic: Equatorial Guineanoun: Equatorial Guinean(s) or Equatoguinean(s)

adjective: Equatorial Guinean or Equatoguinean

Topic: Eritreanoun: Eritrean(s)

adjective: Eritrean

Topic: Estonianoun: Estonian(s)

adjective: Estonian

Topic: Eswatininoun: liSwati (singular), emaSwati (plural); note - former term, Swazi(s), still used among English speakers

adjective: Swati; note - former term, Swazi, still used among English speakers

Topic: Ethiopianoun: Ethiopian(s)

adjective: Ethiopian

Topic: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)noun: Falkland Islander(s)

adjective: Falkland Island

Topic: Faroe Islandsnoun: Faroese (singular and plural)

adjective: Faroese

Topic: Fijinoun: Fijian(s)

adjective: Fijian

Topic: Finlandnoun: Finn(s)

adjective: Finnish

Topic: Francenoun: Frenchman(men), Frenchwoman(women)

adjective: French

Topic: French Polynesianoun: French Polynesian(s)

adjective: French Polynesian

Topic: Gabonnoun: Gabonese (singular and plural)

adjective: Gabonese

Topic: Gambia, Thenoun: Gambian(s)

adjective: Gambian

Topic: Gaza Stripnoun: NA

adjective: NA

Topic: Georgianoun: Georgian(s)

adjective: Georgian

Topic: Germanynoun: German(s)

adjective: German

Topic: Ghananoun: Ghanaian(s)

adjective: Ghanaian

Topic: Gibraltarnoun: Gibraltarian(s)

adjective: Gibraltar

Topic: Greecenoun: Greek(s)

adjective: Greek

Topic: Greenlandnoun: Greenlander(s)

adjective: Greenlandic

Topic: Grenadanoun: Grenadian(s)

adjective: Grenadian

Topic: Guamnoun: Guamanian(s) (US citizens)

adjective: Guamanian

Topic: Guatemalanoun: Guatemalan(s)

adjective: Guatemalan

Topic: Guernseynoun: Channel Islander(s)

adjective: Channel Islander

Topic: Guineanoun: Guinean(s)

adjective: Guinean

Topic: Guinea-Bissaunoun: Bissau-Guinean(s)

adjective: Bissau-Guinean

Topic: Guyananoun: Guyanese (singular and plural)

adjective: Guyanese

Topic: Haitinoun: Haitian(s)

adjective: Haitian

Topic: Holy See (Vatican City)noun: none

adjective: none

Topic: Hondurasnoun: Honduran(s)

adjective: Honduran

Topic: Hong Kongnoun: Chinese/Hong Konger

adjective: Chinese/Hong Kong

Topic: Hungarynoun: Hungarian(s)

adjective: Hungarian

Topic: Icelandnoun: Icelander(s)

adjective: Icelandic

Topic: Indianoun: Indian(s)

adjective: Indian

Topic: Indonesianoun: Indonesian(s)

adjective: Indonesian

Topic: Irannoun: Iranian(s)

adjective: Iranian

Topic: Iraqnoun: Iraqi(s)

adjective: Iraqi

Topic: Irelandnoun: Irishman(men), Irishwoman(women), Irish (collective plural)

adjective: Irish

Topic: Isle of Mannoun: Manxman(men), Manxwoman(women)

adjective: Manx

Topic: Israelnoun: Israeli(s)

adjective: Israeli

Topic: Italynoun: Italian(s)

adjective: Italian

Topic: Jamaicanoun: Jamaican(s)

adjective: Jamaican

Topic: Japannoun: Japanese (singular and plural)

adjective: Japanese

Topic: Jerseynoun: Channel Islander(s)

adjective: Channel Islander

Topic: Jordannoun: Jordanian(s)

adjective: Jordanian

Topic: Kazakhstannoun: Kazakhstani(s)

adjective: Kazakhstani

Topic: Kenyanoun: Kenyan(s)

adjective: Kenyan

Topic: Kiribatinoun: I-Kiribati (singular and plural)

adjective: I-Kiribati

Topic: Korea, Northnoun: Korean(s)

adjective: Korean

Topic: Korea, Southnoun: Korean(s)

adjective: Korean

Topic: Kosovonoun: Kosovan

adjective: Kosovan

note: Kosovo, a neutral term, is sometimes also used as a noun or adjective as in Kosovo Albanian, Kosovo Serb, Kosovo minority, or Kosovo citizen

Topic: Kuwaitnoun: Kuwaiti(s)

adjective: Kuwaiti

Topic: Kyrgyzstannoun: Kyrgyzstani(s)

adjective: Kyrgyzstani

Topic: Laosnoun: Lao(s) or Laotian(s)

adjective: Lao or Laotian

Topic: Latvianoun: Latvian(s)

adjective: Latvian

Topic: Lebanonnoun: Lebanese (singular and plural)

adjective: Lebanese

Topic: Lesothonoun: Mosotho (singular), Basotho (plural)

adjective: Basotho

Topic: Liberianoun: Liberian(s)

adjective: Liberian

Topic: Libyanoun: Libyan(s)

adjective: Libyan

Topic: Liechtensteinnoun: Liechtensteiner(s)

adjective: Liechtenstein

Topic: Lithuanianoun: Lithuanian(s)

adjective: Lithuanian

Topic: Luxembourgnoun: Luxembourger(s)

adjective: Luxembourg

Topic: Macaunoun: Chinese

adjective: Chinese

Topic: Madagascarnoun: Malagasy (singular and plural)

adjective: Malagasy

Topic: Malawinoun: Malawian(s)

adjective: Malawian

Topic: Malaysianoun: Malaysian(s)

adjective: Malaysian

Topic: Maldivesnoun: Maldivian(s)

adjective: Maldivian

Topic: Malinoun: Malian(s)

adjective: Malian

Topic: Maltanoun: Maltese (singular and plural)

adjective: Maltese

Topic: Marshall Islandsnoun: Marshallese (singular and plural)

adjective: Marshallese

Topic: Mauritanianoun: Mauritanian(s)

adjective: Mauritanian

Topic: Mauritiusnoun: Mauritian(s)

adjective: Mauritian

Topic: Mexiconoun: Mexican(s)

adjective: Mexican

Topic: Micronesia, Federated States ofnoun: Micronesian(s)

adjective: Micronesian; Chuukese, Kosraen(s), Pohnpeian(s), Yapese

Topic: Moldovanoun: Moldovan(s)

adjective: Moldovan

Topic: Monaconoun: Monegasque(s) or Monacan(s)

adjective: Monegasque or Monacan

Topic: Mongolianoun: Mongolian(s)

adjective: Mongolian

Topic: Montenegronoun: Montenegrin(s)

adjective: Montenegrin

Topic: Montserratnoun: Montserratian(s)

adjective: Montserratian

Topic: Morocconoun: Moroccan(s)

adjective: Moroccan

Topic: Mozambiquenoun: Mozambican(s)

adjective: Mozambican

Topic: Namibianoun: Namibian(s)

adjective: Namibian

Topic: Naurunoun: Nauruan(s)

adjective: Nauruan

Topic: Nepalnoun: Nepali (singular and plural)

adjective: Nepali

Topic: Netherlandsnoun: Dutchman(men), Dutchwoman(women)

adjective: Dutch

Topic: New Caledonianoun: New Caledonian(s)

adjective: New Caledonian

Topic: New Zealandnoun: New Zealander(s)

adjective: New Zealand

Topic: Nicaraguanoun: Nicaraguan(s)

adjective: Nicaraguan

Topic: Nigernoun: Nigerien(s)

adjective: Nigerien

Topic: Nigerianoun: Nigerian(s)

adjective: Nigerian

Topic: Niuenoun: Niuean(s)

adjective: Niuean

Topic: Norfolk Islandnoun: Norfolk Islander(s)

adjective: Norfolk Islander(s)

Topic: North Macedonianoun: Macedonian(s)

adjective: Macedonian

Topic: Northern Mariana Islandsnoun: NA (US citizens)

adjective: NA

Topic: Norwaynoun: Norwegian(s)

adjective: Norwegian

Topic: Omannoun: Omani(s)

adjective: Omani

Topic: Pakistannoun: Pakistani(s)

adjective: Pakistani

Topic: Palaunoun: Palauan(s)

adjective: Palauan

Topic: Panamanoun: Panamanian(s)

adjective: Panamanian

Topic: Papua New Guineanoun: Papua New Guinean(s)

adjective: Papua New Guinean

Topic: Paraguaynoun: Paraguayan(s)

adjective: Paraguayan

Topic: Perunoun: Peruvian(s)

adjective: Peruvian

Topic: Philippinesnoun: Filipino(s)

adjective: Philippine

Topic: Pitcairn Islandsnoun: Pitcairn Islander(s)

adjective: Pitcairn Islander

Topic: Polandnoun: Pole(s)

adjective: Polish

Topic: Portugalnoun: Portuguese (singular and plural)

adjective: Portuguese

Topic: Puerto Riconoun: Puerto Rican(s) (US citizens)

adjective: Puerto Rican

Topic: Qatarnoun: Qatari(s)

adjective: Qatari

Topic: Romanianoun: Romanian(s)

adjective: Romanian

Topic: Russianoun: Russian(s)

adjective: Russian

Topic: Rwandanoun: Rwandan(s)

adjective: Rwandan

Topic: Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunhanoun: Saint Helenian(s)

adjective: Saint Helenian

note: referred to locally as "Saints"

Topic: Saint Kitts and Nevisnoun: Kittitian(s), Nevisian(s)

adjective: Kittitian, Nevisian

Topic: Saint Lucianoun: Saint Lucian(s)

adjective: Saint Lucian

Topic: Saint Pierre and Miquelonnoun: Frenchman(men), Frenchwoman(women)

adjective: French

Topic: Saint Vincent and the Grenadinesnoun: Saint Vincentian(s) or Vincentian(s)

adjective: Saint Vincentian or Vincentian

Topic: Samoanoun: Samoan(s)

adjective: Samoan

Topic: San Marinonoun: Sammarinese (singular and plural)

adjective: Sammarinese

Topic: Sao Tome and Principenoun: Sao Tomean(s)

adjective: Sao Tomean

Topic: Saudi Arabianoun: Saudi(s)

adjective: Saudi or Saudi Arabian

Topic: Senegalnoun: Senegalese (singular and plural)

adjective: Senegalese

Topic: Serbianoun: Serb(s)

adjective: Serbian

Topic: Seychellesnoun: Seychellois (singular and plural)

adjective: Seychellois

Topic: Sierra Leonenoun: Sierra Leonean(s)

adjective: Sierra Leonean

Topic: Singaporenoun: Singaporean(s)

adjective: Singapore

Topic: Slovakianoun: Slovak(s)

adjective: Slovak

Topic: Slovenianoun: Slovene(s)

adjective: Slovenian

Topic: Solomon Islandsnoun: Solomon Islander(s)

adjective: Solomon Islander

Topic: Somalianoun: Somali(s)

adjective: Somali

Topic: South Africanoun: South African(s)

adjective: South African

Topic: South Sudannoun: South Sudanese (singular and plural)

adjective: South Sudanese

Topic: Spainnoun: Spaniard(s)

adjective: Spanish

Topic: Sri Lankanoun: Sri Lankan(s)

adjective: Sri Lankan

Topic: Sudannoun: Sudanese (singular and plural)

adjective: Sudanese

Topic: Surinamenoun: Surinamer(s)

adjective: Surinamese

Topic: Swedennoun: Swede(s)

adjective: Swedish

Topic: Switzerlandnoun: Swiss (singular and plural)

adjective: Swiss

Topic: Syrianoun: Syrian(s)

adjective: Syrian

Topic: Taiwannoun: Taiwan (singular and plural)

adjective: Taiwan (or Taiwanese)

note: example - he or she is from Taiwan; they are from Taiwan

Topic: Tajikistannoun: Tajikistani(s)

adjective: Tajikistani

Topic: Tanzanianoun: Tanzanian(s)

adjective: Tanzanian

Topic: Thailandnoun: Thai (singular and plural)

adjective: Thai

Topic: Timor-Lestenoun: Timorese

adjective: Timorese

Topic: Togonoun: Togolese (singular and plural)

adjective: Togolese

Topic: Tokelaunoun: Tokelauan(s)

adjective: Tokelauan

Topic: Tonganoun: Tongan(s)

adjective: Tongan

Topic: Trinidad and Tobagonoun: Trinidadian(s), Tobagonian(s)

adjective: Trinidadian, Tobagonian

note: Trinbagonian is used on occasion to describe a citizen of the country without specifying the island of origin

Topic: Tunisianoun: Tunisian(s)

adjective: Tunisian

Topic: Turkeynoun: Turk(s)

adjective: Turkish

Topic: Turkmenistannoun: Turkmenistani(s)

adjective: Turkmenistani

Topic: Turks and Caicos Islandsnoun: none

adjective: none

Topic: Tuvalunoun: Tuvaluan(s)

adjective: Tuvaluan

Topic: Ugandanoun: Ugandan(s)

adjective: Ugandan

Topic: Ukrainenoun: Ukrainian(s)

adjective: Ukrainian

Topic: United Arab Emiratesnoun: Emirati(s)

adjective: Emirati

Topic: United Kingdomnoun: Briton(s), British (collective plural)

adjective: British

Topic: United Statesnoun: American(s)

adjective: American

Topic: Uruguaynoun: Uruguayan(s)

adjective: Uruguayan

Topic: Uzbekistannoun: Uzbekistani

adjective: Uzbekistani

Topic: Vanuatunoun: Ni-Vanuatu (singular and plural)

adjective: Ni-Vanuatu

Topic: Venezuelanoun: Venezuelan(s)

adjective: Venezuelan

Topic: Vietnamnoun: Vietnamese (singular and plural)

adjective: Vietnamese

Topic: Virgin Islandsnoun: Virgin Islander(s) (US citizens)

adjective: Virgin Islander

Topic: Wallis and Futunanoun: Wallisian(s), Futunan(s), or Wallis and Futuna Islanders

adjective: Wallisian, Futunan, or Wallis and Futuna Islander

Topic: West Banknoun: NA

adjective: NA

Topic: Yemennoun: Yemeni(s)

adjective: Yemeni

Topic: Zambianoun: Zambian(s)

adjective: Zambian

Topic: Zimbabwenoun: Zimbabwean(s)

adjective: Zimbabwean


Topic: Photos of Micronesia, Federated States of

Topic: Introduction
Background: Each of the four states that compose the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) - Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei, and Yap - has its own unique history and cultural traditions. The first humans arrived in what is now the FSM in the second millennium B.C. In the 800s A.D., construction of the artificial islets at the Nan Madol complex in Pohnpei began, with the main architecture being built around 1200. At its height, Nan Madol united the approximately 25,000 people of Pohnpei under the Saudeleur Dynasty. Around the same time, Kosrae was united in a kingdom centered in Leluh by 1250. Yap’s society became strictly hierarchical, with chiefs receiving tributes from islands up to 1,100 km (700 mi) away. Widespread human settlement in Chuuk began in the 1300s, and the different islands in the Chuuk Lagoon were frequently at war with one another. Portuguese and Spanish explorers visited a few of the islands in the 1500s and Spain began exerting nominal, but not day-to-day, control over some of the islands - which they named the Caroline Islands - in the 1600s. Christian missionaries arrived in the 1800s, in particular to Chuuk and Kosrae. By the 1870s, nearly every Kosraean had converted to Christianity and religion continues to play an important role in daily life on the island. In 1899, Spain sold all of the FSM to Germany. Japan seized the islands in 1914 and was granted a League of Nations mandate to administer them in 1920. The Japanese navy built bases across most of the islands and headquartered their Pacific naval operations in Chuuk. The US bombed Chuuk in 1944 during Operation Hailstone in World War II, destroying 250 Japanese planes and 40 ships. The US military largely bypassed the other islands in its leapfrog campaign across the Pacific. The FSM came under US administration as part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands in 1947, which comprised six districts: Chuuk, the Marshall Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Pohnpei, and Yap; Kosrae was separated from Pohnpei into a separate district in 1977. In 1979, Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei, and Yap ratified the FSM Constitution and declared independence while the other three districts opted to pursue separate political statuses. In 1982, the FSM signed a Compact of Free Association (COFA) with the US, which granted the FSM financial assistance and access to many US domestic programs in exchange for exclusive US military access and defense responsibilities; the COFA entered into force in 1986 and its funding was renewed in 2003. There are significant inter-island rivalries stemming from their different histories and cultures. Chuuk, the most populous but poorest state, has pushed for secession, but an independence referendum has been repeatedly postponed and may not be held.

Eligible Micronesians can live, work, and study in any part of the US and its territories without a visa - this privilege reduces stresses on the island economy and the environment. Micronesians serve in the US armed forces and military recruiting from the FSM, per capita, is higher than many US states.Each of the four states that compose the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) - Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei, and Yap - has its own unique history and cultural traditions. The first humans arrived in what is now the FSM in the second millennium B.C. In the 800s A.D., construction of the artificial islets at the Nan Madol complex in Pohnpei began, with the main architecture being built around 1200. At its height, Nan Madol united the approximately 25,000 people of Pohnpei under the Saudeleur Dynasty. Around the same time, Kosrae was united in a kingdom centered in Leluh by 1250. Yap’s society became strictly hierarchical, with chiefs receiving tributes from islands up to 1,100 km (700 mi) away. Widespread human settlement in Chuuk began in the 1300s, and the different islands in the Chuuk Lagoon were frequently at war with one another.Portuguese and Spanish explorers visited a few of the islands in the 1500s and Spain began exerting nominal, but not day-to-day, control over some of the islands - which they named the Caroline Islands - in the 1600s. Christian missionaries arrived in the 1800s, in particular to Chuuk and Kosrae. By the 1870s, nearly every Kosraean had converted to Christianity and religion continues to play an important role in daily life on the island. In 1899, Spain sold all of the FSM to Germany. Japan seized the islands in 1914 and was granted a League of Nations mandate to administer them in 1920. The Japanese navy built bases across most of the islands and headquartered their Pacific naval operations in Chuuk. The US bombed Chuuk in 1944 during Operation Hailstone in World War II, destroying 250 Japanese planes and 40 ships. The US military largely bypassed the other islands in its leapfrog campaign across the Pacific.The FSM came under US administration as part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands in 1947, which comprised six districts: Chuuk, the Marshall Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Pohnpei, and Yap; Kosrae was separated from Pohnpei into a separate district in 1977. In 1979, Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei, and Yap ratified the FSM Constitution and declared independence while the other three districts opted to pursue separate political statuses. In 1982, the FSM signed a Compact of Free Association (COFA) with the US, which granted the FSM financial assistance and access to many US domestic programs in exchange for exclusive US military access and defense responsibilities; the COFA entered into force in 1986 and its funding was renewed in 2003. There are significant inter-island rivalries stemming from their different histories and cultures. Chuuk, the most populous but poorest state, has pushed for secession, but an independence referendum has been repeatedly postponed and may not be held.

Eligible Micronesians can live, work, and study in any part of the US and its territories without a visa - this privilege reduces stresses on the island economy and the environment. Micronesians serve in the US armed forces and military recruiting from the FSM, per capita, is higher than many US states.Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic.

Topic: Geography
Location: Oceania, island group in the North Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to Indonesia
Geographic coordinates: 6 55 N, 158 15 E
Map references: Oceania
Area: total: 702 sq km

land: 702 sq km

water: 0 sq km (fresh water only)

note: includes Pohnpei (Ponape), Chuuk (Truk) Islands, Yap Islands, and Kosrae (Kosaie)
Area - comparative: four times the size of Washington, DC (land area only)
Land boundaries: total: 0 km
Coastline: 6,112 km
Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
Climate: tropical; heavy year-round rainfall, especially in the eastern islands; located on southern edge of the typhoon belt with occasionally severe damage
Terrain: islands vary geologically from high mountainous islands to low, coral atolls; volcanic outcroppings on Pohnpei, Kosrae, and Chuuk
Elevation: highest point: Nanlaud on Pohnpei 782 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
Natural resources: timber, marine products, deep-seabed minerals, phosphate
Land use: agricultural land: 25.5% (2018 est.)

arable land: 2.3% (2018 est.)

permanent crops: 19.7% (2018 est.)

permanent pasture: 3.5% (2018 est.)

forest: 74.5% (2018 est.)

other: 0% (2018 est.)
Irrigated land: 0 sq km (2012) NA
Population distribution: the majority of the populaton lives in the coastal areas of the high islands; the mountainous interior is largely uninhabited; less than half of the population lives in urban areas
Natural hazards: typhoons (June to December)
Geography - note: composed of four major island groups totaling 607 islands
Map description: Federated States of Micronesia map showing the major islands of this archipelagic country in the North Pacific Ocean.Federated States of Micronesia map showing the major islands of this archipelagic country in the North Pacific Ocean.

Topic: People and Society
Population: 101,009 (2022 est.)
Nationality: noun: Micronesian(s)

adjective: Micronesian; Chuukese, Kosraen(s), Pohnpeian(s), Yapese
Ethnic groups: Chuukese/Mortlockese 49.3%, Pohnpeian 29.8%, Kosraean 6.3%, Yapese 5.7%, Yap outer islanders 5.1%, Polynesian 1.6%, Asian 1.4%, other 0.8% (2010 est.)
Languages: English (official and common language), Chuukese, Kosrean, Pohnpeian, Yapese, Ulithian, Woleaian, Nukuoro, Kapingamarangi
Religions: Roman Catholic 54.7%, Protestant 41.1% (includes Congregational 38.5%, Baptist 1.1%, Seventh Day Adventist 0.8%, Assembly of God 0.7%), Church of Jesus Christ 1.5%, other 1.9%, none 0.7%, unspecified 0.1% (2010 est.)
Age structure: 0-14 years: 28.24% (male 14,585/female 14,129)

15-24 years: 18.62% (male 9,473/female 9,461)

25-54 years: 40.81% (male 19,998/female 21,493)

55-64 years: 7.38% (male 3,602/female 3,898)

65 years and over: 4.95% (2021 est.) (male 2,260/female 2,776)
Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 55.2

youth dependency ratio: 48.4

elderly dependency ratio: 6.8

potential support ratio: 14.7 (2020 est.)
Median age: total: 26.3 years

male: 25.5 years

female: 27.1 years (2020 est.)
Population growth rate: -0.67% (2022 est.)
Birth rate: 18.39 births/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Death rate: 4.19 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Net migration rate: -20.91 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Population distribution: the majority of the populaton lives in the coastal areas of the high islands; the mountainous interior is largely uninhabited; less than half of the population lives in urban areas
Urbanization: urban population: 23.2% of total population (2022)

rate of urbanization: 1.52% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Major urban areas - population: 7,000 PALIKIR (capital) (2018)
Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

0-14 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-24 years: 1 male(s)/female

25-54 years: 0.92 male(s)/female

55-64 years: 0.92 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.57 male(s)/female

total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2022 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio: 88 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.)
Infant mortality rate: total: 21.9 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 25.02 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 18.63 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 74.44 years

male: 72.34 years

female: 76.66 years (2022 est.)
Total fertility rate: 2.24 children born/woman (2022 est.)
Contraceptive prevalence rate: NA
Drinking water source: improved: total: 78.6% of population

unimproved: total: 21.4% of population (2017 est.)
Current Health Expenditure: 11.4% (2019)
Hospital bed density: 3.2 beds/1,000 population
Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: NA

rural: NA

total: 88.3% of population

unimproved: urban: NA

rural: NA

total: 11.7% of population (2017 est.)
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: NA
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: NA
HIV/AIDS - deaths: NA
Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: high (2020)

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea

vectorborne diseases: malaria
Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 45.8% (2016)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight: NA
Education expenditures: 9.7% of GDP (2018 est.)
Literacy: total population: NA

male: NA

female: NA
Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 18.9%

male: 10.4%

female: 29.9% (2014)

Topic: Environment
Environment - current issues: overfishing; climate change; water pollution, toxic pollution from mining; solid waste disposal
Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 10.23 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.)

carbon dioxide emissions: 0.14 megatons (2016 est.)

methane emissions: 0.02 megatons (2020 est.)
Climate: tropical; heavy year-round rainfall, especially in the eastern islands; located on southern edge of the typhoon belt with occasionally severe damage
Land use: agricultural land: 25.5% (2018 est.)

arable land: 2.3% (2018 est.)

permanent crops: 19.7% (2018 est.)

permanent pasture: 3.5% (2018 est.)

forest: 74.5% (2018 est.)

other: 0% (2018 est.)
Urbanization: urban population: 23.2% of total population (2022)

rate of urbanization: 1.52% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 0.02% of GDP (2018 est.)
Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: high (2020)

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea

vectorborne diseases: malaria
Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 26,040 tons (2016 est.)
Total renewable water resources: 0 cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Government
Country name: conventional long form: Federated States of Micronesia

conventional short form: none

local long form: Federated States of Micronesia

local short form: none

former: New Philippines; Caroline Islands; Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, Ponape, Truk, and Yap Districts

abbreviation: FSM

etymology: the term "Micronesia" is a 19th-century construct of two Greek words, "micro" (small) and "nesoi" (islands), and refers to thousands of small islands in the western Pacific Ocean
Government type: federal republic in free association with the US
Capital: name: Palikir

geographic coordinates: 6 55 N, 158 09 E

time difference: UTC+11 (16 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

time zone note: Micronesia has two time zones

note: Palikir became the new capital of the country in 1989, three years after independence; Kolonia, the former capital, remains the site for many foreign embassies; it also serves as the Pohnpei state capital
Administrative divisions: 4 states; Chuuk (Truk), Kosrae (Kosaie), Pohnpei (Ponape), Yap
Independence: 3 November 1986 (from the US-administered UN trusteeship)
National holiday: Constitution Day, 10 May (1979)
Constitution: history: drafted June 1975, ratified 1 October 1978, entered into force 10 May 1979

amendments: proposed by Congress, by a constitutional convention, or by public petition; passage requires approval by at least three-fourths majority vote in at least three fourths of the states; amended 1990; note – at least every 10 years as part of a general or special election, voters are asked whether to hold a constitution convention; a majority of affirmative votes is required to proceed; amended many times, last in 2019 (approval by referendum to hold a constitutional convention)
Legal system: mixed legal system of common and customary law
International law organization participation: has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt
Citizenship: citizenship by birth: no

citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of FSM

dual citizenship recognized: no

residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch: chief of state: President David W. PANUELO (since 11 May 2019); Vice President Yosiwo P. GEORGE (since 11 May 2015); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government

head of government: President David W. PANUELO (since 11 May 2019); Vice President Yosiwo P. GEORGE (since 11 May 2015)

cabinet: Cabinet includes the vice president and the heads of the 8 executive departments

elections/appointments: president and vice president indirectly elected by Congress from among the 4 'at large' senators for a 4-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 11 May 2019 (next to be held in 2023)

election results: David W. PANUELO elected president by Congress; Yosiwo P. GEORGE reelected vice president
Legislative branch: description: unicameral Congress (14 seats; 10 members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote to serve 2-year terms and 4 at- large members directly elected from each of the 4 states by proportional representation vote to serve 4-year terms)

elections: last held on 2 March 2021 (next to be held on March 2023)

election results: percent of vote - NA; seats - independent 14; composition as of July 2022 - men 13, women 1, percent of women 7.1%
Judicial branch: highest courts: Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice and not more than 5 associate justices and organized into appellate and criminal divisions)

judge selection and term of office: justices appointed by the FSM president with the approval of two-thirds of Congress; justices appointed for life

subordinate courts: the highest state-level courts are: Chuuk Supreme Court; Korsae State Court; Pohnpei State Court; Yap State Court
Political parties and leaders: no formal parties
International organization participation: ACP, ADB, AOSIS, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, IMF, IOC, IOM, IPU, ITSO, ITU, MIGA, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, WHO, WMO
Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Akillino Harris SUSAIA (since 24 April 2017)

chancery: 1725 N Street NW, Washington, DC 20036

telephone: [1] (202) 223-4383

FAX: [1] (202) 223-4391

email address and website:
dcmission@fsmembassy.fm

https://fsmembassy.fm/

consulate(s) general: Honolulu, Portland (OR), Tamuning (Guam)
Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Carmen G. CANTOR (since 31 January 2020)

embassy: 1286 US Embassy Place, Kolonia, Pohnpei, FM 96941

mailing address: 4120 Kolonia Place, Washington, D.C. 20521-4120

telephone: [691] 320-2187

FAX: [691] 320-2186

email address and website:
koloniaacs@state.gov

https://fm.usembassy.gov/
Flag description: light blue with four white five-pointed stars centered; the stars are arranged in a diamond pattern; blue symbolizes the Pacific Ocean, the stars represent the four island groups of Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei, and Yap
National symbol(s): four, five-pointed, white stars on a light blue field, hibiscus flower; national colors: light blue, white
National anthem: name: "Patriots of Micronesia"

lyrics/music: unknown/August Daniel BINZER

note: adopted 1991; also known as "Across All Micronesia"; the music is based on the 1820 German patriotic song "Ich hab mich ergeben", which was the West German national anthem from 1949-1950; variants of this tune are used in Johannes BRAHMS' "Festival Overture" and Gustav MAHLER's "Third Symphony"
National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 1 (cultural)

selected World Heritage Site locales: Nan Madol: Ceremonial Center of Eastern Micronesia

Topic: Economy
Economic overview: Economic activity consists largely of subsistence farming and fishing, and government, which employs two-thirds of the adult working population and receives funding largely - 58% in 2013 – from Compact of Free Association assistance provided by the US. The islands have few commercially valuable mineral deposits. The potential for tourism is limited by isolation, lack of adequate facilities, and limited internal air and water transportation.   Under the terms of the original Compact, the US provided $1.3 billion in grants and aid from 1986 to 2001. The US and the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) negotiated a second (amended) Compact agreement in 2002-03 that took effect in 2004. The amended Compact runs for a 20-year period to 2023; during which the US will provide roughly $2.1 billion to the FSM. The amended Compact also develops a trust fund for the FSM that will provide a comparable income stream beyond 2024 when Compact grants end.   The country's medium-term economic outlook appears fragile because of dependence on US assistance and lackluster performance of its small and stagnant private sector.Economic activity consists largely of subsistence farming and fishing, and government, which employs two-thirds of the adult working population and receives funding largely - 58% in 2013 – from Compact of Free Association assistance provided by the US. The islands have few commercially valuable mineral deposits. The potential for tourism is limited by isolation, lack of adequate facilities, and limited internal air and water transportation. Under the terms of the original Compact, the US provided $1.3 billion in grants and aid from 1986 to 2001. The US and the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) negotiated a second (amended) Compact agreement in 2002-03 that took effect in 2004. The amended Compact runs for a 20-year period to 2023; during which the US will provide roughly $2.1 billion to the FSM. The amended Compact also develops a trust fund for the FSM that will provide a comparable income stream beyond 2024 when Compact grants end. The country's medium-term economic outlook appears fragile because of dependence on US assistance and lackluster performance of its small and stagnant private sector.
Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $390 million (2019 est.)

$390 million (2018 est.)

$389 million (2017 est.)

note: data are in 2017 dollars
Real GDP growth rate: 2% (2017 est.)

2.9% (2016 est.)

3.9% (2015 est.)
Real GDP per capita: $3,500 (2019 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars

$3,500 (2018 est.) note: data are in 2017 dollars

$3,200 (2015 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate): $328 million (2017 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 0.5% (2017 est.)

0.5% (2016 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 26.3% (2013 est.)

industry: 18.9% (2013 est.)

services: 54.8% (2013 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 83.5% (2013 est.)

government consumption: 48.4% (2016 est.)

investment in fixed capital: 29.5% (2016 est.)

investment in inventories: 1.9% (2016 est.)

exports of goods and services: 27.5% (2016 est.)

imports of goods and services: -77% (2016 est.)
Agricultural products: coconuts, cassava, vegetables, sweet potatoes, bananas, pork, plantains, fruit, eggs, beef
Industries: tourism, construction; specialized aquaculture, craft items (shell and wood)
Industrial production growth rate: NA
Labor force: 37,920 (2010 est.)
Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 0.9%

industry: 5.2%

services: 93.9% (2013 est.)

note: two-thirds of the labor force are government employees
Unemployment rate: 16.2% (2010 est.)
Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 18.9%

male: 10.4%

female: 29.9% (2014)
Population below poverty line: 41.2% (2013 est.)
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 40.1 (2013 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA

highest 10%: NA
Budget: revenues: 213.8 million (FY12/13 est.)

expenditures: 192.1 million (FY12/13 est.)
Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): 6.6% (of GDP) (FY12/13 est.)
Public debt: 24.5% of GDP (2017 est.)

25.3% of GDP (2016 est.)
Taxes and other revenues: 65.2% (of GDP) (FY12/13 est.)
Fiscal year: 1 October - 30 September
Current account balance: $12 million (2017 est.)

$11 million (2016 est.)
Exports: $88.3 million (2013 est.)
Exports - partners: Thailand 73%, Japan 10%, China 9% (2019)
Exports - commodities: fish and fish products, coral/shells, scrap metals, mollusks, office machinery/parts (2019)
Imports: $167.8 million (2015 est.)

$258.5 million (2013 est.)
Imports - partners: United States 32%, China 16%, Japan 14%, Taiwan 9%, Philippines 6%, South Korea 6% (2019)
Imports - commodities: poultry meats, netting, broadcasting equipment, various meats, fish products (2019)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $203.7 million (31 December 2017 est.)

$135.1 million (31 December 2015 est.)
Debt - external: $93.6 million (2013 est.)

$93.5 million (2012 est.)
Exchange rates: the US dollar is usedthe US dollar is used

Topic: Energy
Electricity access: electrification - total population: 82% (2018)

electrification - urban areas: 93.5% (2018)

electrification - rural areas: 78.7% (2018)
Coal: Production: 0 metric tons (2020 est.)

Consumption: 0 metric tons (2020 est.)

Exports: 0 metric tons (2020 est.)

Imports: 0 metric tons (2020 est.)
Petroleum: Refined petroleum consumption: 1,200 bbl/day (2019 est.)
Refined petroleum products - production: 0 bbl/day (2014)
Refined petroleum products - exports: 0 bbl/day
Natural gas: Production: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.)

Consumption: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.)

Exports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.)

Imports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.)

Proven reserves: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions: 177,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.)

From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.)

From petroleum and other liquids: 177,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.)

From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.)
Energy consumption per capita: 0 Btu/person (2019 est.)

Topic: Communications
Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 7,000 (2020 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 6 (2020 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 22,000 (2020 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 19 (2020 est.)
Telecommunication systems: general assessment: adequate system, the demand for mobile broadband is increasing due to mobile services being the primary and most wide-spread source for Internet access across the region (2020)

domestic: islands interconnected by shortwave radiotelephone, satellite (Intelsat) ground stations, and some coaxial and fiber-optic cable; mobile-cellular service available on the major islands; fixed line teledensity roughly 6 per 100 and mobile-cellular nearly 21 per 100 (2019)

international: country code - 691; landing points for the Chuukk-Pohnpei Cable and HANTRU-1 submarine cable system linking the Federated States of Micronesia and the US; satellite earth stations - 5 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean) (2019)

note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced downturn, particularly in mobile device production; many network operators delayed upgrades to infrastructure; progress towards 5G implementation was postponed or slowed in some countries; consumer spending on telecom services and devices was affected by large-scale job losses and the consequent restriction on disposable incomes; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home became evident, and received some support from governments
Broadcast media: no TV broadcast stations; each state has a multi-channel cable service with TV transmissions carrying roughly 95% imported programming and 5% local programming; about a half-dozen radio stations (2009)
Internet country code: .fm
Internet users: total: 39,834 (2019 est.)

percent of population: 35% (2019 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 6,000 (2020 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 5 (2020 est.)

Topic: Transportation
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: V6
Airports: total: 6 (2021)
Airports - with paved runways: total: 6

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2021)
Roadways: note - paved and unpaved circumferential roads, most interior roads are unpaved
Merchant marine: total: 38

by type: general cargo 19, oil tanker 4, other 15 (2021)
Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Colonia (Tamil Harbor), Molsron Lele Harbor, Pohnepi Harbor

Topic: Military and Security
Military and security forces: no military forces; Federated States of Micronesia National Police (includes a maritime wing)
Military - note: defense is the responsibility of the US

Topic: Transnational Issues
Disputes - international: none identifiednone identified
Illicit drugs: major consumer of cannabis


Topic: Photos of Vanuatu

Topic: Introduction
Background: Vanuatu was first settled around 2000 B.C. by Austronesian speakers from Solomon Islands. By around 1000, localized chieftain systems began to develop on the islands. In the mid-1400s, the Kuwae Volcano erupted, causing frequent conflict and internal strife amid declining food availability, especially on Efate Island. Around 1600, Chief ROI MATA united Efate under his rule. In 1606, Portuguese explorer Pedro Fernandes de QUEIROS was the first European to see the Banks Islands and Espiritu Santo, setting up a short-lived settlement on the latter. The next European explorers arrived in the 1760s, and in 1774, British navigator James COOK named the islands the New Hebrides. The islands were frequented by whalers in the 1800s and interest in harvesting the islands’ sandalwood trees caused conflict between Europeans and local Ni-Vanuatu. Catholic and Protestant missionaries arrived in the 1840s but faced difficulties converting the locals. In the 1860s, European planters in Australia, Fiji, New Caledonia, and Samoa needed labor and kidnapped almost half the adult males of the islands and forced them to work as indentured servants.

With growing and overlapping interests in the islands, France and the UK agreed that the New Hebrides would be neutral in 1878 and established a joint naval commission in 1887. In 1906, the two countries created the British-French Condominium to jointly administer the islands and they established separate laws, police forces, currencies, and education and health systems. The condominium arrangement was dysfunctional and the UK used France’s defeat to Germany in World War II to assert greater control over the islands. As Japan pushed into Melanesia, the US stationed up to 50,000 soldiers in Vanuatu to prevent further advances. In 1945, US troops withdrew and sold their equipment, leading to the rise of political and religious cargo cults, such as the John Frum movement.

The France-UK condominium was reestablished after World War II. The UK was interested in moving the condominium toward independence in the 1960s, but France was hesitant and political parties agitating independence began to form, largely divided along linguistic lines. France eventually relented and elections were held in 1974 with independence granted in 1980 as Vanuatu under English-speaking Prime Minister Walter LINI. At independence, the Nagriamel Movement, with support from French-speaking landowners, declared Espiritu Santo independent, but the short-lived state was dissolved 12 weeks later. Linguistic divisions have lessened over time but highly fractious political parties have led to weak coalition governments that require support from both Anglophone and Francophone parties. Since 2008, prime ministers have been ousted through no-confidence motions or temporary procedural issues 10 times.

Vanuatu was first settled around 2000 B.C. by Austronesian speakers from Solomon Islands. By around 1000, localized chieftain systems began to develop on the islands. In the mid-1400s, the Kuwae Volcano erupted, causing frequent conflict and internal strife amid declining food availability, especially on Efate Island. Around 1600, Chief ROI MATA united Efate under his rule. In 1606, Portuguese explorer Pedro Fernandes de QUEIROS was the first European to see the Banks Islands and Espiritu Santo, setting up a short-lived settlement on the latter. The next European explorers arrived in the 1760s, and in 1774, British navigator James COOK named the islands the New Hebrides. The islands were frequented by whalers in the 1800s and interest in harvesting the islands’ sandalwood trees caused conflict between Europeans and local Ni-Vanuatu. Catholic and Protestant missionaries arrived in the 1840s but faced difficulties converting the locals. In the 1860s, European planters in Australia, Fiji, New Caledonia, and Samoa needed labor and kidnapped almost half the adult males of the islands and forced them to work as indentured servants.

With growing and overlapping interests in the islands, France and the UK agreed that the New Hebrides would be neutral in 1878 and established a joint naval commission in 1887. In 1906, the two countries created the British-French Condominium to jointly administer the islands and they established separate laws, police forces, currencies, and education and health systems. The condominium arrangement was dysfunctional and the UK used France’s defeat to Germany in World War II to assert greater control over the islands. As Japan pushed into Melanesia, the US stationed up to 50,000 soldiers in Vanuatu to prevent further advances. In 1945, US troops withdrew and sold their equipment, leading to the rise of political and religious cargo cults, such as the John Frum movement.

The France-UK condominium was reestablished after World War II. The UK was interested in moving the condominium toward independence in the 1960s, but France was hesitant and political parties agitating independence began to form, largely divided along linguistic lines. France eventually relented and elections were held in 1974 with independence granted in 1980 as Vanuatu under English-speaking Prime Minister Walter LINI. At independence, the Nagriamel Movement, with support from French-speaking landowners, declared Espiritu Santo independent, but the short-lived state was dissolved 12 weeks later. Linguistic divisions have lessened over time but highly fractious political parties have led to weak coalition governments that require support from both Anglophone and Francophone parties. Since 2008, prime ministers have been ousted through no-confidence motions or temporary procedural issues 10 times.

Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic.

Topic: Geography
Location: Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to Australia
Geographic coordinates: 16 00 S, 167 00 E
Map references: Oceania
Area: total: 12,189 sq km

land: 12,189 sq km

water: 0 sq km

note: includes more than 80 islands, about 65 of which are inhabited
Area - comparative: slightly larger than Connecticut
Land boundaries: total: 0 km
Coastline: 2,528 km
Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

measured from claimed archipelagic baselines
Climate: tropical; moderated by southeast trade winds from May to October; moderate rainfall from November to April; may be affected by cyclones from December to April
Terrain: mostly mountainous islands of volcanic origin; narrow coastal plains
Elevation: highest point: Tabwemasana 1,877 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
Natural resources: manganese, hardwood forests, fish
Land use: agricultural land: 15.3% (2018 est.)

arable land: 1.6% (2018 est.)

permanent crops: 10.3% (2018 est.)

permanent pasture: 3.4% (2018 est.)

forest: 36.1% (2018 est.)

other: 48.6% (2018 est.)
Irrigated land: 0 sq km (2012)
Population distribution: three-quarters of the population lives in rural areas; the urban populace lives primarily in two cities, Port-Vila and Lugenville; three largest islands - Espiritu Santo, Malakula, and Efate - accomodate over half of the populace
Natural hazards: tropical cyclones (January to April); volcanic eruption on Aoba (Ambae) island began on 27 November 2005, volcanism also causes minor earthquakes; tsunamisvolcanism: significant volcanic activity with multiple eruptions in recent years; Yasur (361 m), one of the world's most active volcanoes, has experienced continuous activity in recent centuries; other historically active volcanoes include Aoba, Ambrym, Epi, Gaua, Kuwae, Lopevi, Suretamatai, and Traitor's Headtropical cyclones (January to April); volcanic eruption on Aoba (Ambae) island began on 27 November 2005, volcanism also causes minor earthquakes; tsunamisvolcanism: significant volcanic activity with multiple eruptions in recent years; Yasur (361 m), one of the world's most active volcanoes, has experienced continuous activity in recent centuries; other historically active volcanoes include Aoba, Ambrym, Epi, Gaua, Kuwae, Lopevi, Suretamatai, and Traitor's Head
Geography - note: a Y-shaped chain of four main islands and 80 smaller islands; several of the islands have active volcanoes and there are several underwater volcanoes as well
Map description: Vanuatu map showing the major islands that make up this archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean.Vanuatu map showing the major islands that make up this archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean.

Topic: People and Society
Population: 308,043 (2022 est.)
Nationality: noun: Ni-Vanuatu (singular and plural)

adjective: Ni-Vanuatu
Ethnic groups: Melanesian 99.2%, non-Melanesian 0.8% (2016 est.)
Languages: local languages (more than 100) 63.2%, Bislama (official; creole) 33.7%, English (official) 2%, French (official) 0.6%, other 0.5% (2009 est.)
Religions: Protestant 70% (includes Presbyterian 27.9%, Anglican 15.1%, Seventh Day Adventist 12.5%, Assemblies of God 4.7%, Church of Christ 4.5%, Neil Thomas Ministry 3.1%, and Apostolic 2.2%), Roman Catholic 12.4%, customary beliefs 3.7% (including Jon Frum cargo cult), other 12.6%, none 1.1%, unspecified 0.2% (2009 est.)
Age structure: 0-14 years: 33.65% (male 51,267/female 49,111)

15-24 years: 19.99% (male 29,594/female 30,050)

25-54 years: 36.09% (male 52,529/female 55,130)

55-64 years: 5.89% (male 8,666/female 8,904)

65 years and over: 4.39% (2020 est.) (male 6,518/female 6,564)
Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 72.5

youth dependency ratio: 66.2

elderly dependency ratio: 12.3

potential support ratio: 8.1 (2020 est.)
Median age: total: 23 years

male: 22.6 years

female: 23.5 years (2020 est.)
Population growth rate: 1.63% (2022 est.)
Birth rate: 21.57 births/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Death rate: 3.98 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Net migration rate: -1.3 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.)
Population distribution: three-quarters of the population lives in rural areas; the urban populace lives primarily in two cities, Port-Vila and Lugenville; three largest islands - Espiritu Santo, Malakula, and Efate - accomodate over half of the populace
Urbanization: urban population: 25.8% of total population (2022)

rate of urbanization: 2.55% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Major urban areas - population: 53,000 PORT-VILA (capital) (2018)
Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

0-14 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-24 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

25-54 years: 0.95 male(s)/female

55-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.91 male(s)/female

total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2022 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio: 72 deaths/100,000 live births (2017 est.)
Infant mortality rate: total: 14.34 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 15.76 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 12.86 deaths/1,000 live births (2022 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 75.14 years

male: 73.45 years

female: 76.91 years (2022 est.)
Total fertility rate: 2.66 children born/woman (2022 est.)
Contraceptive prevalence rate: 49% (2013)
Drinking water source: improved: urban: 100% of population

rural: 89.7% of population

total: 92.3% of population

unimproved: urban: 0% of population

rural: 10.3% of population

total: 7.7% of population (2020 est.)
Current Health Expenditure: 3.4% (2019)
Physicians density: 0.17 physicians/1,000 population (2016)
Sanitation facility access: improved: urban: 91.1% of population

rural: 60.4% of population

total: 68.2% of population

unimproved: urban: 8.9% of population

rural: 39.6% of population

total: 31.8% of population (2020 est.)
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: NA
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: NA
HIV/AIDS - deaths: NA
Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: high (2020)

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea

vectorborne diseases: malaria
Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 25.2% (2016)
Tobacco use: total: 17.8% (2020 est.)

male: 33% (2020 est.)

female: 2.6% (2020 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 11.7% (2013)
Education expenditures: 2.3% of GDP (2020 est.)
Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 87.5%

male: 88.3%

female: 86.7% (2018)
Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 18%

male: 16.1%

female: 20.1% (2019 est.)

Topic: Environment
Environment - current issues: population growth; water pollution, most of the population does not have access to a reliable supply of potable water; inadequate sanitation; deforestation
Environment - international agreements: party to: Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Air pollutants: particulate matter emissions: 10.31 micrograms per cubic meter (2016 est.)

carbon dioxide emissions: 0.15 megatons (2016 est.)

methane emissions: 0.5 megatons (2020 est.)
Climate: tropical; moderated by southeast trade winds from May to October; moderate rainfall from November to April; may be affected by cyclones from December to April
Land use: agricultural land: 15.3% (2018 est.)

arable land: 1.6% (2018 est.)

permanent crops: 10.3% (2018 est.)

permanent pasture: 3.4% (2018 est.)

forest: 36.1% (2018 est.)

other: 48.6% (2018 est.)
Urbanization: urban population: 25.8% of total population (2022)

rate of urbanization: 2.55% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Revenue from forest resources: forest revenues: 0.54% of GDP (2018 est.)
Revenue from coal: coal revenues: 0% of GDP (2018 est.)
Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: high (2020)

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea

vectorborne diseases: malaria
Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 70,225 tons (2012 est.)

municipal solid waste recycled annually: 25,983 tons (2013 est.)

percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 37% (2013 est.)
Total renewable water resources: 10 billion cubic meters (2017 est.)

Topic: Government
Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Vanuatu

conventional short form: Vanuatu

local long form: Ripablik blong Vanuatu

local short form: Vanuatu

former: New Hebrides

etymology: derived from the words "vanua" (home or land) and "tu" (stand) that occur in several of the Austonesian languages spoken on the islands and which provide a meaning of "the land remains" but which also convey a sense of "independence" or "our land"
Government type: parliamentary republic
Capital: name: Port-Vila (on Efate)

geographic coordinates: 17 44 S, 168 19 E

time difference: UTC+11 (16 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

etymology: there are two possibilities for the origin of the name: early European settlers were Portuguese and "vila" means "village or town" in Portuguese, hence "Port-Vila" would mean "Port Town"; alternatively, the site of the capital is referred to as "Efil" or "Ifira" in native languages, "Vila" is a likely corruption of these names
Administrative divisions: 6 provinces; Malampa, Penama, Sanma, Shefa, Tafea, Torba
Independence: 30 July 1980 (from France and the UK)
National holiday: Independence Day, 30 July (1980)
Constitution: history: draft completed August 1979, finalized by constitution conference 19 September 1979, ratified by French and British Governments 23 October 1979, effective 30 July 1980 at independence

amendments: proposed by the prime minister or by the Parliament membership; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote by Parliament in special session with at least three fourths of the membership; passage of amendments affecting the national and official languages, or the electoral and parliamentary system also requires approval in a referendum; amended several times, last in 2013
Legal system: mixed legal system of English common law, French law, and customary law
International law organization participation: has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Citizenship: citizenship by birth: no

citizenship by descent only: both parents must be citizens of Vanuatu; in the case of only one parent, it must be the father who is a citizen

dual citizenship recognized: no

residency requirement for naturalization: 10 years
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch: chief of state: President Nikenike VUROBARAVU (since 23 July 2022)

head of government: Prime Minister Bob LOUGHMAN (since 20 April 2020)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister, responsible to Parliament

elections/appointments: president indirectly elected by an electoral college consisting of Parliament and presidents of the 6 provinces; Vanuatu president serves a 5-year term; election last held on 23 July 2022 (next to be held in 2027); following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition usually elected prime minister by Parliament from among its members; election for prime minister last held on 20 April 2020 (next to be held following general elections in 2024)

election results: Nikenike VUROBARAVU elected president in the eighth round on 23 July 2022 with 48 votes;
Bob LOUGHMAN elected prime minister on 20 April 2020; Bob LOUGHMAN 31 votes, Ralph REGENVANU 21 votes
Legislative branch: description: unicameral Parliament (52 seats; members directly elected in 8 single-seat and 9 multi-seat constituencies by single non-transferable vote to serve 4-year terms (candidates in multi-seat constituencies can be elected with only 4% of the vote)

elections: last held on 19–20 March 2020 (next to be held in 2024)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - GJP 9, RMC 7, VP 7, LPV 5, UMP 5, NUP 4, other 15; composition - men 52, women 0; percent of women 0%; note - political party associations are fluid

note: the National Council of Chiefs advises on matters of culture and language
Judicial branch: highest courts: Court of Appeal (consists of 2 or more judges of the Supreme Court designated by the chief justice); Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice and 6 puisne judges - 3 local and 3 expatriate)

judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court chief justice appointed by the president after consultation with the prime minister and the leader of the opposition; other judges appointed by the president on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission, a 4-member advisory body; judges serve until the age of retirement

subordinate courts: Magistrates Courts; Island Courts
Political parties and leaders: Greens Confederation or GC [Moana CARCASSES Kalosil]
Iauko Group or IG [Tony NARI]
Land and Justice Party (Graon mo Jastis Pati) or GJP [Ralph REGENVANU]
Melanesian Progressive Party or MPP [Barak SOPE]
Nagriamel movement or NAG [Frankie STEVENS]
Natatok Indigenous People's Democratic Party or (NATATOK) or NIPDP [Alfred Roland CARLOT]
National United Party or NUP [Ham LINI]
People's Progressive Party or PPP [Sato KILMAN]
People's Service Party or PSP [Don KEN]
Reunification of Movement for Change or RMC [Charlot SALWAI]
Rural Development Party or RDP [Jay NGWELE, spokesman]
Union of Moderate Parties or UMP [Serge VOHOR]
Vanua'aku Pati (Our Land Party) or VP [Edward NATAPEI]
Vanuatu Democratic Party [Maxime Carlot KORMAN]
Vanuatu First or Vanuatu [Russel NARI]
Vanuatu Liberal Movement or VLM [Gaetan PIKIOUNE]
Vanuatu Liberal Democratic Party or VLDP [Tapangararua WILLIE]
Vanuatu National Party or VNP [Issac HAMARILIU]
Vanuatu National Development Party or VNDP [Robert Bohn SIKOL]
Vanuatu Republican Party or VRP [Marcellino PIPITE]
International organization participation: ACP, ADB, AOSIS, C, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, IOC, IOM, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM, OAS (observer), OIF, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Odo TEVI (since 8 September 2014)
note - also Permanent Representative to the UN

telephone: [1] (212) 661-4303

FAX: [1] (212) 422-3427

email address and website: email - vanunmis@aol.com
web address - https://www.un.int/vanuatu/

embassy: 800 Second Avenue, Suite 400B, New York, NY 10017

note - the Vanuatu Permanent Mission to the UN serves as the embassy
Diplomatic representation from the US: embassy: the US does not have an embassy in Vanuatu; the US Ambassador to Papua New Guinea is accredited to Vanuatu
Flag description: two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and green with a black isosceles triangle (based on the hoist side) all separated by a black-edged yellow stripe in the shape of a horizontal Y (the two points of the Y face the hoist side and enclose the triangle); centered in the triangle is a boar's tusk encircling two crossed namele fern fronds, all in yellow; red represents the blood of boars and men, as well as unity, green the richness of the islands, and black the ni-Vanuatu people; the yellow Y-shape - which reflects the pattern of the islands in the Pacific Ocean - symbolizes the light of the Gospel spreading through the islands; the boar's tusk is a symbol of prosperity frequently worn as a pendant on the islands; the fern fronds represent peace

note: one of several flags where a prominent component of the design reflects the shape of the country; other such flags are those of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, and Eritrea
National symbol(s): boar's tusk with crossed fern fronds; national colors: red, black, green, yellow
National anthem: name: "Yumi, Yumi, Yumi" (We, We, We)

lyrics/music: Francois Vincent AYSSAV

note: adopted 1980; the anthem is written in Bislama, a Creole language that mixes Pidgin English and French
National heritage: total World Heritage Sites: 1 (cultural)

selected World Heritage Site locales: Chief Roi Mata’s Domain

Topic: Economy
Economic overview: This South Pacific island economy is based primarily on small-scale agriculture, which provides a living for about two thirds of the population. Fishing, offshore financial services, and tourism, with more than 330,000 visitors in 2017, are other mainstays of the economy. Tourism has struggled after Efate, the most populous and most popular island for tourists, was damaged by Tropical Cyclone Pam in 2015. Ongoing infrastructure difficulties at Port Vila’s Bauerfield Airport have caused air travel disruptions, further hampering tourism numbers. Australia and New Zealand are the main source of tourists and foreign aid. A small light industry sector caters to the local market. Tax revenues come mainly from import duties. Mineral deposits are negligible; the country has no known petroleum deposits.   Economic development is hindered by dependence on relatively few commodity exports, vulnerability to natural disasters, and long distances from main markets and between constituent islands. In response to foreign concerns, the government has promised to tighten regulation of its offshore financial center.   Since 2002, the government has stepped up efforts to boost tourism through improved air connections, resort development, and cruise ship facilities. Agriculture, especially livestock farming, is a second target for growth.This South Pacific island economy is based primarily on small-scale agriculture, which provides a living for about two thirds of the population. Fishing, offshore financial services, and tourism, with more than 330,000 visitors in 2017, are other mainstays of the economy. Tourism has struggled after Efate, the most populous and most popular island for tourists, was damaged by Tropical Cyclone Pam in 2015. Ongoing infrastructure difficulties at Port Vila’s Bauerfield Airport have caused air travel disruptions, further hampering tourism numbers. Australia and New Zealand are the main source of tourists and foreign aid. A small light industry sector caters to the local market. Tax revenues come mainly from import duties. Mineral deposits are negligible; the country has no known petroleum deposits. Economic development is hindered by dependence on relatively few commodity exports, vulnerability to natural disasters, and long distances from main markets and between constituent islands. In response to foreign concerns, the government has promised to tighten regulation of its offshore financial center. Since 2002, the government has stepped up efforts to boost tourism through improved air connections, resort development, and cruise ship facilities. Agriculture, especially livestock farming, is a second target for growth.
Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $850 million (2020 est.)

$930 million (2019 est.)

$910 million (2018 est.)

note: data are in 2017 dollars
Real GDP growth rate: 4.2% (2017 est.)

3.5% (2016 est.)

0.2% (2015 est.)
Real GDP per capita: $2,800 (2020 est.)

$3,100 (2019 est.)

$3,100 (2018 est.)

note: data are in 2017 dollars
GDP (official exchange rate): $870 million (2017 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.1% (2017 est.)

0.8% (2016 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 27.3% (2017 est.)

industry: 11.8% (2017 est.)

services: 60.8% (2017 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 59.9% (2017 est.)

government consumption: 17.4% (2017 est.)

investment in fixed capital: 28.7% (2017 est.)

investment in inventories: 0% (2017 est.)

exports of goods and services: 42.5% (2017 est.)

imports of goods and services: -48.5% (2017 est.)
Agricultural products: coconuts, roots/tubers nes, bananas, vegetables, pork, fruit, milk, beef, groundnuts, cocoa
Industries: food and fish freezing, wood processing, meat canning
Industrial production growth rate: 4.5% (2017 est.)
Labor force: 115,900 (2007 est.)
Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 65%

industry: 5%

services: 30% (2000 est.)
Unemployment rate: 1.7% (1999 est.)
Unemployment, youth ages 15-24: total: 18%

male: 16.1%

female: 20.1% (2019 est.)
Population below poverty line: NA
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 37.6 (2010 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA

highest 10%: NA
Budget: revenues: 236.7 million (2017 est.)

expenditures: 244.1 million (2017 est.)
Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-): -0.9% (of GDP) (2017 est.)
Public debt: 48.4% of GDP (2017 est.)

46.1% of GDP (2016 est.)
Taxes and other revenues: 27.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.)
Fiscal year: calendar year
Current account balance: -$13 million (2017 est.)

-$37 million (2016 est.)
Exports: $380 million (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars

$520 million (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars
Exports - partners: Japan 33%, Thailand 13%, Mauritania 13%, South Korea 11%, China 9%, Fiji 7% (2019)
Exports - commodities: fish and fish products, tug boats, perfume plants, mollusks, cocoa beans (2019)
Imports: $460 million (2019 est.) note: data are in current year dollars

$460 million (2018 est.) note: data are in current year dollars
Imports - partners: China 29%, Australia 18%, New Zealand 11%, Fiji 11%, Taiwan 5%, Thailand 5% (2019)
Imports - commodities: refined petroleum, fishing ships, delivery trucks, poultry meats, broadcasting equipment (2019)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $395.1 million (31 December 2017 est.)

$267.4 million (31 December 2016 est.)
Debt - external: $200.5 million (31 December 2017 est.)

$182.5 million (31 December 2016 est.)
Exchange rates: vatu (VUV) per US dollar -

111.015 (2020 est.)

117.035 (2019 est.)

113.005 (2018 est.)

108.99 (2014 est.)

97.07 (2013 est.)

Topic: Energy
Electricity access: electrification - total population: 61.8% (2018)

electrification - urban areas: 93.7% (2018)

electrification - rural areas: 51.1% (2018)
Electricity: Installed generating capacity: 35,000 kW (2020 est.)

Consumption: 62.926 million kWh (2019 est.)

Exports: 0 kWh (2020 est.)

Imports: 0 kWh (2020 est.)

Transmission/distribution losses: 5 million kWh (2019 est.)
Electricity generation sources: Fossil fuels: 84.5% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

Nuclear: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

Solar: 8.2% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

Wind: 7.4% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

Hydroelectricity: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

Tide and wave: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

Geothermal: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)

Biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est.)
Coal: Production: 0 metric tons (2020 est.)

Consumption: 0 metric tons (2020 est.)

Exports: 0 metric tons (2020 est.)

Imports: 0 metric tons (2020 est.)

Proven reserves: 0 metric tons (2019 est.)
Petroleum: Total petroleum production: 0 bbl/day (2021 est.)

Refined petroleum consumption: 1,500 bbl/day (2019 est.)

Crude oil and lease condensate exports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.)

Crude oil and lease condensate imports: 0 barrels/day (2018 est.)

Crude oil estimated reserves: 0 barrels (2021 est.)
Refined petroleum products - production: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Refined petroleum products - exports: 0 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Refined petroleum products - imports: 1,073 bbl/day (2015 est.)
Natural gas: Production: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.)

Consumption: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.)

Exports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.)

Imports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.)

Proven reserves: 0 cubic meters (2021 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions: 225,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.)

From coal and metallurgical coke: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.)

From petroleum and other liquids: 225,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.)

From consumed natural gas: 0 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est.)
Energy consumption per capita: 10.878 million Btu/person (2019 est.)

Topic: Communications
Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 3,472 (2020 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 1 (2020 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 265,219 (2019)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 88.44 (2019)
Telecommunication systems: general assessment: liberalized telecom services; mobile phones are primary means of communication; LTE services and rural satellite broadband services; mobile phone use in some rural areas is constrained by electricity shortages; investment in fixed-broadband infrastructure and installation of fiber-optic cables supported sector growth; mobile broadband infrastructure expanded in 2020, resulting in reduced consumer prices; Kacific-1 broadband satellite has improved broadband capacity and access since 2019; importer of broadcasting equipment from China (2020)

domestic: fixed-line teledensity a bit over 1 per 100 and mobile-cellular just over 80 per 100 (2020)

international: country code - 678; landing points for the ICN1 & ICN2 submarine cables providing connectivity to the Solomon Islands and Fiji; cables helped end-users with Internet bandwidth; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean) (2020)

note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced downturn, particularly in mobile device production; many network operators delayed upgrades to infrastructure; progress towards 5G implementation was postponed or slowed in some countries; consumer spending on telecom services and devices was affected by large-scale job losses and the consequent restriction on disposable incomes; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home became evident, and received some support from governments
Broadcast media: 1 state-owned TV station; multi-channel pay TV is available; state-owned Radio Vanuatu operates 2 radio stations; 2 privately owned radio broadcasters; programming from multiple international broadcasters is available
Internet country code: .vu
Internet users: total: 77,969 (2019 est.)

percent of population: 26% (2019 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 2,785 (2020 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 1 (2020 est.)

Topic: Transportation
National air transport system: number of registered air carriers: 1 (2020)

inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 8

annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 374,603 (2018)

annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 1.66 million (2018) mt-km
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: YJ
Airports: total: 31 (2021)
Airports - with paved runways: total: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2021)
Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 28

914 to 1,523 m: 7

under 914 m: 21 (2021)
Roadways: total: 1,070 km (2000)

paved: 256 km (2000)

unpaved: 814 km (2000)
Merchant marine: total: 306

by type: bulk carrier 18, container ship 2, general cargo 55, oil tanker 2, other 229 (2021)
Ports and terminals: major seaport(s): Forari Bay, Luganville (Santo, Espiritu Santo), Port-Vila

Topic: Military and Security
Military and security forces: no regular military forces; Ministry of Internal Affairs: Vanuatu Police Force (VPF; includes Vanuatu Mobile Force (VMF) and Police Maritime Wing (VPMW)) (2022)

note: the paramilitary Vanuatu Mobile Force also has external security responsibilities
Military - note: the separate British and French police forces were unified in 1980 under Ni-Vanuatu officers as the New Hebrides Constabulary; the force retained some British and French officers as advisors; the Constabulary was subsequently renamed the Vanuatu Police Force later in 1980

the Vanuatu Mobile Force has received training and other support from Australia, China, France, New Zealand, and the US (2022)

Topic: Transnational Issues
Disputes - international: Vanuatu-France: Matthew and Hunter Islands, two uninhabited islands east of New Caledonia, claimed by Vanuatu and France; in January 2019, a French naval mission landed officers on the islands to reinforce France’s sovereignty; in November 2021, French vessels fishing near the islands raised tensionsVanuatu-France: Matthew and Hunter Islands, two uninhabited islands east of New Caledonia, claimed by Vanuatu and France; in January 2019, a French naval mission landed officers on the islands to reinforce France’s sovereignty; in November 2021, French vessels fishing near the islands raised tensions