Vanuatu

Vanuatu Latest News

Fugitive former IPL chief Lalit Modi recently applied to surrender his passport to the Indian High Commission in London, and acquired the citizenship of Vanuatu, a tiny island nation in the South Pacific.

About Vanuatu

• It is an island country located in the South Pacific Ocean. 
• It is an archipelago made up of 83 islands, of which only 65 are inhabited.
• The islands extend north-south for some 400 miles (650 km) in an irregular Y shape.
• It lies east of Australia and north of New Zealand, or midway between Australia and Fiji. 
• 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. 
• Capital: Its capital and largest city is Port Vila, located on Efate Island.
• Currency: The vatu is the currency of Vanuatu.
• The population of Vanuatu is 94% indigenous Melanesian.
• Language: 
  • The national language of the Republic of Vanuatu is Bislama (a Creole language). 
  • The official languages are Bislama, English, and French.
• Government: 
  • Type: Parliamentary democracy.
  • Independence: July 30, 1980.
• 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.
• 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.
  • Passports provide a major source of government revenues.
  • Vanuatu passport holders can travel without a visa to 56 countries, making its citizenship-by-investment programme a highly attractive scheme.

Vanuatu FAQs

Q1. Where is Vanuatu located?

Ans. is an island country located in the South Pacific Ocean. 

Q2. What is the capital of Vanuatu?

Ans. Its capital and largest city is Port Vila, located on Efate Island.

Q3. What is the national language of Vanuatu?

Ans. The national language of the Republic of Vanuatu is Bislama (a Creole language). 

Source: IE