Vanuatu

American  

[vah-noo-ah-too] / ˌvɑ nuˈɑ tu /

noun

1. a republic consisting of a group of 80 islands in the southern Pacific, about 1,000 miles (1,600 km) northeast of Australia: formerly under joint British and French administration; gained independence 1980. About 5,700 sq. mi. (14,763 sq. km). Vila.

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Vanuatu British  

/ ˈvænuːˌætuː /

noun

1. Former name (until 1980): New Hebrides.  Official name: Republic of Vanuatu.  a republic comprising a group of islands in the W Pacific, W of Fiji: a condominium under Anglo-French joint rule from 1906; attained partial autonomy in 1978 and full independence in 1980 as a member of the Commonwealth. Its economy is based chiefly on copra. Official languages: Bislama; French; English. Religion: Christian majority. Currency: vatu. Capital: Vila (on Efate). Pop: 261 565 (2013 est). Area: about 14 760 sq km (5700 sq miles)

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Other Word Forms

• Vanuatuan adjective

Example Sentences

The volcanic islands of Matthew and Hunter lie several hundred kilometres east of the French overseas territory of New Caledonia but are also claimed by the island nation of Vanuatu, which won independence in 1980.

From Barron's

In August, Australia also signed a $328m security and business deal with Vanuatu, which involves the building of two data centres, strengthening of security and help dealing with the impacts of climate change.

From BBC

This week's Vanuatu deal comes after Australia signed similar pacts with several of its other Pacific neighbours in recent months.

From BBC

Passports-for-sale or citizenship by investment schemes are a source of income for countries like Vanuatu.

From BBC

About a century ago on the Pacific island of Vanuatu, a messiah cult centered on a mythical figure named John Frum, who would bring riches and happiness, rooted itself among the local population.

From Salon