PEOPLE
The population of Vanuatu is 94% indigenous Melanesian. About 33,700 live in the capital, Port Vila. Another 10,700 live in Luganville (or Santo Town) on Espiritu Santo. The remainder live in rural areas. Approximately 2,000 ni-Vanuatu live and work in New Caledonia. Although local pidgin, called Bislama, is the national language, English and French also are official languages. Indigenous Melanesians speak 105 local languages.
Christianity has had a profound influence
on ni-Vanuatu society, and an estimated 90% of the population
is affiliated with a Christian denomination. The largest denominations
are Presbyterian, Roman Catholic, and Anglican. John Frum, a syncretic
sect, also is important on Tanna Island.
Nationality: Noun and adjective--ni-Vanuatu.
Population (2007 est.): 218,000.
Annual growth rate (2007 est.): 2.0%.
Ethnic groups: 94% ni-Vanuatu; 4% European; 2% other Pacific Islanders, Asian.
Religion: Predominantly Christian (84%).
Languages: Bislama (Pidgin), English (official), French (official), over 100 tribal languages.
Education: Enrollment in primary is 100% with rapid fall-off to 20% in secondary and upper secondary. Adult literacy rate (2007)--74% of those age 15 and older.
Health: Infant mortality rate (2007)--53/1,000. Life expectancy (2007)--63 yrs.
Work force (1999): 134,000. Agriculture--65%. Industry--5%. Service--30%.
