Vanuatu

Vanuatu is located on the continent of Oceania (region), it is classed as an island country and is situated in the Pacific Ocean in Central Oceania (region). There are seven continents in the world: Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Europe, Antarctica, Australia (Oceania). Australia (plus Oceania) is the world's smallest continent, it has 14 countries, occupies a total area of 9,008,500 km2 and forms 5.9% of the landmass of the world. Oceania is a geographical region that includes the continent of Australia. The continent of Australia comprises of mainland Australia, Tasmania, New Guinea, New Britain, and numerous small adjacent islands. New Zealand is not located on the continent of Australia. However, Australasia is a region of Oceania that includes New Zealand, Australia and Melanesia. Many of the Pacific island countries are located in subregions of Oceania. The subregions are defined as Micronesia, Melanesia and Polynesia. Vanuatu is an island country that spreads across a total area of approximately 12,189 km2. It is a small country formed by an archipelago of volcanic islands in the South Pacific Ocean.

The following information provides a guideline to the approximate border lengths of Vanuatu:
Coastline 2,528 km.

Vanatu experiences a tropical climate that is modified by southeast trade winds that occur from May to October. The country normally receives a fair amount of rainfall from November to April, and can also be subject to cyclones at this time of year. The geography of Vanuatu is formed of an archipelago of volcanic islands with mountainous regions, rainforest and coastal plains. The island chain is extensive and consists of more than 80 islands in total. The islands of Espiritu Santo, Malakula, Efate, Erromango, Ambrym, Tanna, Pentecost, Epi, Ambae or Aoba, Gaua, Vanua Lava, Maewo, Malo and Aneityum have surface areas greater than 100km2. Vanuatu is subject to volcanic activity as several of its volcanoes are active. There are also numerous underwater volcanoes. The lowest point of Vanuatu is the Pacific Ocean at 0m, and the highest point of elevation is Tabwemasana at 1,877m.

The official languages of Vanuatu are Bislama, English and French. Over 100 local languages are spoken in Vanuata.

The primary religion of Vanuatu is Protestant at approximately 70% of the population, with the main religion being Presbyterian, followed by Anglican and the Seventh Day Adventist. Around 12% are Roman Catholic. The remaining population either belongs to other religions or no religion at all.

Natural resources are materials and substances that can be found occurring naturally on Earth. Natural resources are very important across the world, and can be exploited for economic gain. The level of natural resources present in an individual country depends on varying factors which are influenced by the geography, climate and location of that country. Some countries, such as Russia, The United States, Saudi Arabia and Canada, have many natural resources, where as some other countries have limited to none. Food, transport and construction are three of the primary uses of natural resources. For example, fish is a naturally occurring resource that can be caught for food consumption. Crude oils can be refined into different types of fuels in order to power vehicles/cars. Wood/timber from forests can be used to build homes and furniture. The natural resources of Vanuatu include manganese, forests and fish.

Every country has its own unique culture, history and identity. Flags, symbols, emblems, mottos, songs, anthems and colors are used by countries across the world to represent national pride and identity. These national symbols are created through the unique history of a nation and can portray both hardship and prosperity, embodying freedom, strength and unity. Flags, emblems, colors, songs and mottos reflect the past, present and future aspirations of a country, and create an important image to the rest of the world. National symbols can represent a combination of things that are important to a country such as birds, animals, plants, geographical features, tools of agriculture, crops, and tools of war. Here are some important facts on the symbols, songs and colors of Vanuatu: