Port Vila, Capital of Vanuatu
Port Vila is the capital city of Vanuatu and it’s largest city. The population is estimated to be around 38,000, up from the 1999 official census of 29,356. Port Vila is located on the south coast of the island of Efate. The population is mainly Melanesian, with small Polynesian, Asian and European populations. Port Vila has a tropical climate; hot and humid, with an average rainfall around 2,360 millimetres (94 in.) per year.
Port Vila is the economic and commercial centre of Vanuatu; the local currency is called ‘vatu’. Vanuatu gained independence from its former colonial rulers on 30 July, 1980. During World War II, Port Vila was an American and Australian airbase.
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.
English, French and Bislama (Pigeon English) are all official languages in Vanuatu. In Port Vila, Bislama is spoken by as the day-to-day language, with English and French widely understood. Christianity is the predominant religion across all of Vanuatu,
Vanuatu is a reasonably safe place, although malaria can be a problem away from the main centres. Traffic is low, with few traffic lights, and a reasonable standard of driving. In vanuatu, they drive on the right hand side. It is a quiet, low-key, conservative country. Because of 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.
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. Snorkelling, scuba diving and cruises are popular; there are also traditional village tours, a fantastic active volcano (on Tanna island), various resorts, tours around islands.
The local people are delightful and very friendly; the lagoons, beaches and countryside are all incredibly beautiful, making Vanuatu 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 
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