Welcome to Vanuatu 🇻🇺 — a remarkable destination in Melanesia. Its official name is Republic of Vanuatu, and today around 327,777 people call this Oceania nation home, spread across roughly 12,189 km² of territory.
Below is your complete country profile for Vanuatu: key statistics, an introduction to Port Vila, an interactive map, cultural notes and answers to the questions people most often ask about this corner of Oceania.
Geography of Vanuatu
Vanuatu lies in Melanesia, in the Oceania region of the world. Measuring roughly 12,189 square kilometres, it ranks 163rd in the world by total area.
Vanuatu has no land borders at all — it is surrounded entirely by water, and this island setting has given it a distinct identity, ecosystem and way of life.
Port Vila serves as the capital — the centre of government and, for most travellers, the gateway to everything else Vanuatu has to offer.
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
People, language and culture
Vanuatu is home to approximately 327,777 residents — the 182nd largest population on the planet. Its people are known as Ni-Vanuatus.
Vanuatu is multilingual: the languages spoken include Bislama, English and French. This linguistic variety reflects the country's layered history and the many communities that shaped it.
Like every country featured on Spin a Country, Vanuatu rewards curiosity — its festivals, food and everyday customs tell a story that statistics alone never can.
Currency, travel and practical facts
The official currency is the Vanuatu vatu (VUV, symbol Vt). Exchange rates fluctuate, so check current rates before travelling.
The international dialling code for Vanuatu is +678. Websites from the country typically use the .vu internet domain.
If Vanuatu came up on your random spin, take five minutes to memorise its flag, capital (Port Vila) and population — these are the three facts most often asked in geography quizzes.
Fun facts about Vanuatu
- Vanuatu's flag emoji is 🇻🇺 — its two-letter country code is VU and its three-letter code is VUT.
- Vanuatu covers 12,189 km², ranking 163rd in the world by area.
- With about 327,777 people, Vanuatu holds the 182nd spot in the world population ranking.
- Vanuatu is a member state of the United Nations.
- Vanuatu is completely surrounded by water, with zero land borders.
Vanuatu — frequently asked questions
- What is the capital of Vanuatu?
- The capital of Vanuatu is Port Vila.
- What is the population of Vanuatu?
- Vanuatu has a population of approximately 327,777 people, ranking 182nd in the world.
- Where is Vanuatu located?
- Vanuatu is located in Melanesia, part of the Oceania region.
- What language is spoken in Vanuatu?
- The languages spoken in Vanuatu include Bislama, English and French.
- What currency is used in Vanuatu?
- Vanuatu uses the Vanuatu vatu (VUV).
