UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 25 October 2026

Vanuatu Latest News

A preliminary magnitude 6.9 earthquake recently hit off the coast of Vanuatu, a South Pacific island nation, according to the US Geological Survey, prompting a tsunami warning for the area that was later rescinded.

About Vanuatu

• Vanuatu, officially the Republic of Vanuatu, is an island country located in the South Pacific Ocean. 
• It is a Melanesian archipelago made up of 83 islands, of which only 65 are inhabited. Most islands are volcanic in origin. The largest island is Espíritu Santo. 
• The islands extend north-south for some 650 km in an irregular Y shape.
• They lie about 800 kilometres west of Fiji and nearly 1800 kilometres east of Australia.  
• Geography: 
  • A diverse relief—ranging from rugged mountains and high plateaus to rolling hills and low plateaus, with coastal terraces and offshore coral reefs—characterizes the islands.
  • The country is home to several active volcanoes, including Mount Yasur, which is one of the world’s most accessible active volcanoes. 
• History:  
  • In the 1880s, France and the United Kingdom claimed parts of the islands. 
  • In 1906, they decided to manage the islands together. This joint rule was called the New Hebrides Anglo-French Condominium.
  • In the 1970s, people in Vanuatu started a movement to become independent.
  • The Republic of Vanuatu was created in 1980.
• Form of Government:  Parliamentary democracy.
• Capital: Its capital and largest city is Port Vila, located on Efate Island.
• Currency: The vatu is the currency of Vanuatu.
• People: 
  • The population of Vanuatu is 94% indigenous Melanesian.
  • There are also small minorities of Europeans, Micronesians, Chinese, and Vietnamese. 
• Language: 
  • The national language is Bislama (a Creole language). 
  • The official languages are Bislama, English, and French.
• Economy: 
• The economy is based on agriculture, tourism, fishing, and offshore financial services, with kava exports playing a significant role.
• Vanuatu does not have income tax, withholding tax, capital gains tax, inheritance tax, or exchange control. 
• VAT, tourism, and agricultural exports contribute to the national income.
• Passports provide a major source of government revenues.
• Vanuatu offers a citizenship-by-investment programme, allowing foreigners to obtain citizenship in exchange for a financial contribution, typically for around $1,50,000 USD.
  • Vanuatu passport holders can travel to 56 countries without a visa, making its citizenship-by-investment programme a highly attractive scheme.

News: TELE