Cruising to VanuatuBackgroundThe British and French, who settled the New Hebrides in the 19th century, agreed in 1906 to an Anglo-French Condominium, which administered the islands until independence in 1980. GeographyLocation: Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about
three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to Australia Coastline2,528 km Maritime claimsMeasured from claimed archipelagic baselines ClimateTropical; moderated by southeast trade winds from May to October; moderate rainfall from November to April; may be affected by Cyclones from December to April TerrainMostly mountainous islands of volcanic origin; narrow coastal plains Elevation extremesLowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m EconomyThis South Pacific island economy is based primarily on small-scale agriculture, which provides a living for 65% of the population. Fishing, offshore financial services, and tourism, with about 50,000 visitors in 2004, are other mainstays of the economy. Mineral deposits are negligible; the country has no known petroleum deposits. A small light industry sector caters to the local market. Tax revenues come mainly from import duties. 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. GDP growth rose less than 3% on average in the 1990s. In response to foreign concerns, the government has promised to tighten regulation of its offshore financial center. In mid-2002 the government stepped up efforts to boost tourism. Agriculture, especially livestock farming, is a second target for growth. Australia and New Zealand are the main suppliers of tourists and foreign aid. TransportationAirports: 31 (2005) Merchant marineTotal: 52 ships (1000 GRT or over) 1,214,417 GRT/1,649,713 DWT Sailing Specifics: Ports and terminalsForari, Port-Vila, Santo (Espiritu Santo) Other Sailing Destinations in the RegionAmerican Samoa - Australia - Cook Island - Easter Islands (Chile) - Federation of Micronesia - Fiji - Guam - USA (Hawaii) - Kiribati - Marshall Islands - Nauru - New Caledonia - New Zealand - Niue - Norfolk Island - Northern Mariana Islands - Palau - Papua New Guinea - Pitcairn Island - Samoa - Solomon Island - Tokelau - Tonga - Tuvalu - Vanuatu - Wallis and Futuna Further Reading |
|