Located on the south coast of Efate Island, Port Vila is the capital, and largest, city of Vanuatu, with a population estimated to be around 38,000. The population is mainly Melanesian, with small Polynesian, Asian and European populations. Port Vila has a tropical climate; hot and humid. Rainfall averages about 2,360 millimetres (94 in.) per year.



Vanuatu gained independence from its former colonial rulers on 30 July, 1980. During World War II, it was an American and Australian airbase. Port Vila is the economic and commercial centre of Vanuatu; the local currency is called 'vatu'.

Port Vila is Vanuatu's main harbour and the centre of the country's trade; a third of exports leave from Port Vila, with around 90% of imports into the country arriving in Port Vila. The international airport, Bauerfield International, is also located in the city. Major industries are agriculture and fishing and tourism, with around 50,000 visitors a year.

Offshore financing based in Port Vila is an important part of the economy, due to Vanuatus tax haven status. Vanuatu still depends on foreign aid, mostly from Australia, New Zealand and China.

There are three official languages are spoken Vanuatu - English, French and Bislama (Pigeon English). In Port Vila, Bislama is spoken by as the day-to-day language, with English and French widely understood. Christianity is the predominant religion in Vanuatu, followed by more than 90% of the population. The largest denomination is the Presbyterian Church, followed by one third of the population. Roman Catholicism and the Church of Melanesia are also common, each about 15%.

Traffic is low, with few traffic lights in Port Vila, and a reasonable standard of driving. In vanuatu, they drive on the right hand side. It is a quiet, low-key, conservative country. Although Vanuatu is a reasonably safe place, malaria can be a problem away from the main centres. Due to the missionary influence, Vanuatu women dress quite conservatively; a lot of them wear the colorful, distinctive 'Mother Hubbard' dresses. Tourists can wear what they like in a resort - but when you're out and about it's respectful and polite not to walk around in clothes that are too revealing.

The pace is slow and sleepy. Snorkelling, scuba diving and cruises are popular; there are also traditional village tours, a fantastic active volcano (Yasur Volcano, on Tanna island), various resorts, tours around islands. Getting around is very easy; buses are plentiful and cheap - they can be flagged down like taxis and they take you where you want to go. Taxis are not much more expensive than buses if there are more than two or three of you.

Ni-Vanuatu, as the locals are known, are a delightful people and very friendly, the water and countryside is incredibly beautiful; all in all, Vanuatu is a great place to visit. Most tourists based themselves in Port Vila, with diving in Santo, the tanna volcana, and the Pentecost land dives significant side trips. The beauty of Port Vila harbour makes it a popular stopover for Pacific Islands cruises (Do not expect the normal slow gentle pace if a cruise ship is in town :-) Enjoy one of the worlds most unspoilt spots!