anuatu July 31st, 2013 This year Vanuatu celebrated their 33rd anniversary of independence. Vanuatu was first visited by europeans in the early 1600′s. Captain cook visited them in 1774, calling them (the more than 80 islands) the New Hebrides. In 1980 Father Walter Lini is the first prime minister of the newly renamed Vanuatu. The prime minister in 2009, Edward Natapei was stripped of his position of Prime Minister after he did not show up to three parliamentary sittings and didn’t provide a written reason. The current Prime minister Moana Carcasses was elected earlier this year. In general Vanuatu has had a peaceful existence, especially when compared with that of other pacific islands in recent times. The economy is strong, relying on eco-tourism and agriculture, however with a growing population, the growth of these industries is not enough. There are often cyclones in the region and this can cause havoc with industry. FACTS AND FIGURES - There are about 246,000 people living on Vanuatu’s 80+ islands - Espiritu Santo is the largest island. - Literacy is on 53% - Life expectancy is 67 years - There are many active volcanoes in Vanuatu. Lopévi has erupted more than 20 times since 1863. - Vanuatu’s flag is black, reg and green. There is a picture of a boar tusk and two crossed Namele leaves on the triangle on the left. These also feature on the coat of arms. The leaves represent peace and the tusk represents wealth and status. - In 2006 Vanuatu was named the happiest country in the “Happiness Planet Index”
Posted on: Wed, 11 Sep 2013 00:26:43 +0000
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