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Vanuatu: Land of Islands, Beaches, and Volcanoes
- 1. nl
- 3. VANUATU ISDERIVEDFROMTHEWORDS VANUA MEANING LAND OR HOME TU MEANING STAND
- 6. COAT OF ARMS
- 9. 169 DEGREES EAST 19DEGREES SOUTH
- 10. Y shaped
- 13. CLIMATE Inyeug(Mystery)Island wet tropical to subtropical MAY TO OCTOBER: 27TO30DEGREES NOVEMBER TO APRIL : ALMOST12 DEGREES JANUARY TO MARCH: HEAVYRAINS
- 14. Landforms • Sandy beaches • Jungles • Coral reef • Volcanoes BEACHES TranquilityIsland,PortVila JUNG LES MELECASCADES,PORTVILA CORAL REEFS MELEBAY VOLCANOES VOLCANYASU
- 16. ISLANDS SOUTHERNMOST:ANEITYUM NORTHERNMOST: BANKSANDTORRESISLANDGROUP MOSTFAMOUSAMONGTOURISTS: Malekula island Epi island tanna Pentecost island
- 17. BEACHES CHAMPAGNE BEACH TheBoracayofVanuatu Declaredbycnn asone oftheworldsbestbeaches Found in espiritu santo
- 18. Erakor beach bokissa beach breakas beach eratap beach paradise cove tamanu beach hideaway beach aore beach
- 21. CAVES Usuallyat the end of a waterfall followed by a river Thrill seeker activity
- 23. Blue Cave tanna
- 24. VOLCANOES homeofsomeoftheworldsmostactivevolcanoes LOPEVI MOTLAV SUREMATAI GAUA MERE LAVA AOBA AMBRYM EPI NORTH VATE TRAITORS HEAD ANEITYUM Andofcourse, UNNAMED. KUWAE
- 25. MOUNT YASUR ONEOFTHEMOSTACTIVEVOLCANOESINTHEWORLD MOST FAMOUS VOLCANO FOUND ON TANNA ISLAND ERUPTING SINCE 1774 361 M high
- 26. AERIAL VIEW
- 29. DA BIDEYO • Medyo 200mb kaya di ko muna ilalagay
- 31. Bodies of Water Surrounded byCoral Sea and theSouth Pacific Ocean Sulphurbay Velitbay
- 32. Springs and rivers Nagpen River (SelvaRiver) Takara Hot springs Thermal fields of Lake Manaro Lakua
- 35. CRATER LAKE LAKE LETAS formed inside a crater GAUA ISLAND
- 36. LAVA LAKES MARUM LAVA LAKE OTHERS: AMBRYM LAVA LAKE BENBOW LAVA LAKE
- 37. WATERFALLS VERY COMMON IN VANUATU SiriFalls -Torba,Gauaisland. 120m tall waterfall from Lake Letas locatedinlushjungle.
- 39. CORAL REEFS
- 42. Trees LAND FLORA BANYAN TREES OF TANNA HAPPY LANDS KAURI RESERVE
- 45. COCONUT CRAB
- 46. 80 SPECIES OFBUTTERFLY 12SPECIESOFBEES 12 speciesofANTSANDTERMITES OVER 200 SPECIES OF FLIES 22SPECIESOFEARTHWORMS 73SPECIESOFLAND SNAILS
- 47. GREEN PALM LORIKEET vanuatu mountain pigeon pacific imperial pigeon royal parrot finch peregrine falcon
- 49. FIJI BANDED IGUANA saltwater crocodile
- 54. More than 110 distinctly diverse cultures and languages
- 55. 94% Melanesian 4% European 4% Other (Vietnamese,Chinese, andotherPacificIslander)
- 57. MELANESIAN KIDS WITH DARK SKIN AND NATURALLY BLONDE HAIR
- 60. DOMESTIC UNIT NUCLEARFAMILY KIN GROUPS PATRIARCHAL NOPHYSICAL PUNISHMENTOF CHILDREN Ritualinitiation ofgrowth circumcision
- 64. government and politics unicameralparliament Electsa Nonexecutivepresidentevery5years 6 regions Malampa Penama Sanma Shefa Tafea torba Malvatumaori Ethniccouncilthatadvises parliament
- 65. President baldwin lonsdale primeminister john natuman PRESIDENTSAREOFTENYOUNGEDUCATEDMALES Whowereoriginallypastorsandleadersof Christian churches Eldersremainontheislandaschiefs Butprimeministers,presidents,and Members of parliamentcan receive Honorary chiefly titles
- 66. Vanuatuisbelievedtohavebeen settledbyAustronesian-speaking peoplesaround1200-1300BC. 1606 SightedbyPedroFernandesde QueirosofPortugal 1825 Manywere draggedto slaveryin AU The earliest known leader is ChiefRoyMata,thelast paramountchief. 1774 Named NewHebridesby james cookofbritain 1839 Missionariesarrived but brought Smallpox,influenza, pneumonia That severely reduced the population
- 67. 1906 BritainandFrance arrivedandsetup TheCONDOMINIUMOFTHENEW HEBRIDES 1959 FRENCHPRESIDENTDECLAREDTHEY WOULDKEEPVANUATU WHILETHEUKPRIMEMINISTERLETGO 1975 Elected walterlini,butdeniedcontrol Ledto public protests andteargas thislasted76yearsandiscalled ThePandemonium 1971 indigenousMelanesiansbegan lobbyingforindependence 1980 Independence achieved
- 68. 1999 Fatherlinidies 2004 Alfred Masang elected president Stepped down after revealing Criminalrecord SUBSEQUENTLYREPLACEDBY HAMLINI BROTHEROFWALTERLINI 2002 Formerpm Baraksope convictedofforgery KalkotMataskelekele Replacedhim Makinghimthe1stpresidentwitha Universitydegree
- 71. secular celebrations JULY 30 - Independence Day OCTOBER 5 - Constitution Day NOVEMBER 29 -Unity Day DECEMBER26 - Family Day MARCH 5 - Custom Chiefs Day Organizedandimpromptusportsmatchesarepopular,asaremoney- raisingcarnivals,agriculturalfairs,andartsfestivals. Vanuatu Pacific Swim RahIslandCanoeRace Telecom Volcano Run LadiesClassic FishingChampionship KiwanisPortVilaRaceDay
- 72. PENTECOST LAND DIVING RITUAL APRIL TOJUNE Tohelp guaranteea bountiful harvest BUNGEEJUMPING
- 76. THE FESTIVALS OF AMBRYM black island black sand black magic
- 80. Traditional Dance and music • Idiophones • TAM-TAM DRUMS, PANPIPES, RATTLES, GUITARS, UKELELES • AND SLIT GONGS
- 81. SEA SNAKE DANCE CELEBRATION OF FERTILITY AND PUBERTY ROM DANCE JOHN FRUM DANCES WATER MUSIC FESTIVAL PERFORMED ONLY BY WOMEN
- 82. PIG TUSKS
- 83. sand drawing
- 84. PERFORMING AND FINE ARTS • petroglyphs and rock paintings • Aloi Pilioko who created the impressive colourful relief on the post office in Port Vila
- 85. • Vanuatu’s traditional crafts, such as shell necklaces, ankle rattles, carved bowls, masks and elaborate headdresses, are closely linked to ritual ceremonies.
- 86. • Tree fern statues, carved for men’s grade-taking ceremonies (a public show of status and power) • miniature canoes, animals, bows, arrows, clubs and spears, as well as the large platters and bowls in which yams and kava are pounded. The platters from the Shepherd Islands are especially beautiful, often carved in the shape of birds or fish. • Elaborate masks, sometimes decorated with paint, feathers and pig tusks
- 87. • Graphic Arts. The tourist industry supports an active cottage handicraft and carving industry, including woven baskets and dyed mats, bark skirts, penis wrappers, miniature slit-gongs and other carvings, shell jewelry, bamboo flutes and panpipes. A few art galleries in Port Vila sell the work of local artists
- 89. 40%French-educated 60%English-educated LANGUAGES MOST LINGUISTICALLY DIVERSE OVER 100 LANGUAGES SPOKEN
- 90. BISLAMA ONE OF THE NEWEST LANGUAGES IN THE WORLD WIDELY SPOKEN IN VANUATU PIDGIN OR CREOLE LANGUAGE 95% OF BISLAMA WORDS ARE BASED ON ENGLISH, 5% FRENCH ENGLISH VOCABULARY, OCEANIC GRAMMAR SHARED WITH PAPUA NEW GUINEA AND SOLOMON ISLANDS
- 91. GASTRONOMY Themakingofkava VANUATU’S NATIONAL FOOD IS LAPLAP And their traditional drink is KAVA
- 96. GRACE MERA MOLISA POLITICIAN POET FEMINIST 1stwomanfromhercountry togainauniversitydegree An Anglican Spoke fivelanguages
- 99. ARCHITECTURE CORALORVOLCANICSTONES AS A PLATFORM BASE FOR WOODENSTRUCTURES STONEWALLS CAVES Vegetablefibres Variouswoods,bamboo,palm tamma
- 100. INDUSTRY TOURISM
- 103. CURRENCY 1 VATU =0.010 USD =0.46 PHP
- 104. tourist facilities and services internetaccessavailable varietyofInternetCafesintown internationalandlocalbanks includingNationalBankVanuatu,ANZ,WestpacandBredBank atm locatedintownandatmajorsupermarkets Mostacceptcreditcard ThePortVilaPostOfficecanbefoundinthecentreoftown andoffersinternetfacilities.
- 106. ACCOMMODATION AND RESTAURANTS Thehavannah Iririki island resort THETERRACESBOUTIQUEAPARTMENTS WARWICK LE LAGON RESORT&SPA
- 109. MNLTOSYD ninoyaquinointernationalairportto sydneykingfordsmith internationalairport STOPOVER SYDTOVLI sydneykingfordsmith internationalairportto portvila BAUERFIELD INTERNATIONALAIRPORT 22HOURFLIGHT THEREARENODIRECTFLIGHTSTOVANUATU
- 111. MAGAASIVILLAGE,or CHIEFROYMATA’SDOMAIN CURRENTLY VANUATU’S ONLY UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE CHIEFROYMATA PARAMOUNT CHIEF WHO UNITED ISLANDS AND WHOSE VALUES ARE STILL INTEGRATED INTO NI-VANUATU CULTURE 3PLACES: MAGAASIVILLAGE–HIS ABANDONED RESIDENCE LELAPA ISLAND-SITE OF DEATH ARTOK ISLAND–BURIAL SITE
- 113. DAY2- ESPIRITU SANTO 5AM-FlighttoEspirituSanto 5:50AM-Arrive at Pekoa Int’l Airport 6:30AM-Check in at hotel 7AM- Breakfast at local restaurant 8AM - 6pm Tour: MountTabwemasana(kayaktour) Millennium Cave Matevulu Blue Hole (lunch in-between at a localrestaurant) Matevulu blue hole
- 114. BESTFORSHIPWRECKDIVINg Snorkelling Scubadiving kayaking SS PRESIDENT COOLIDGE DAY3-ESPIRITU SANTO CHAMPAGNE BEACH MORNING Sspresidentcoolidge
- 115. DAY3-ESPIRITU SANTO afternoon Boat to Pentecost Island to witness land diving ritual
- 116. DAY4- TANNA ISLAND 5AM-Flighttotanna 6:10AM-Arriveat Airport 6:40AM-Checkinathotel 7AM-Breakfastatlocalrestaurant 8AM- 12nn-blue cave 12nn- lunch on the boat 1pm -onwards-trekto mountyasur Mountyasur
- 117. Flight back to Port Vila Flight back to Manila Day5
- 118. talem tangkyu long yu
- 120. • http://interhemisphere.tumblr.com/post/44453621914/an-icebox-on-the-beach- on-tranquility-island • Aerial view • Tranquility Island – Vanuatu • Cascades Falls jungle – Chris Taylor • Benjor Coral Reef – Port Vila • http://www.travelonline.com/vanuatu/information/vanuatu-beaches.html • http://www.volcanodiscovery.com/yasur.html • Zipline images from TripAdvisor • http://terra-mater.tumblr.com/post/74196269122/volcanic-smog-and-sunglint-in- the-vanuatu • http://www.volcanodiscovery.com/vanuatu/ • Vanuatu kids smiling by Eric Lafforgue on Flickr. • ©Nick Hobgood • Vanuatu - Inyeug (Mystery) Island by Chris&Steve (cands) (2006) • michael spear hawkins (flickr) • http://www.tourismvanuatu.com/tours/adventures-paradise-t1/cascade- waterfalls.html • http://journeyimaging.tumblr.com/post/83151029663/i-wish-the-water-was-a- little-cleaner-please
- 121. • http://vanuatu.travel/index.php/fr/67-things-to-do/eco-tours/926- millennium-cave-tours • http://vanuatu.travel/index.php/en/67-things-to-do/eco-tours/826-blue-cave- adventures-and-tours • http://www.onelaststint.com/video/matevulu-blue-hole-a-little-piece-of- paradise-all-to-ourselves/ • http://www.aquamarinesanto.com/coolidge.html • http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/Asia-and-Oceania/Vanuatu-FLORA- AND-FAUNA.html • http://capitaljhay.tumblr.com/post/67644410740 • http://r-u-s-t-y-r.tumblr.com/post/65908542137 • http://coral-tropics.tumblr.com/post/67221454227/casually-holding-a-sea- star-in-vanuatu-d • http://journeyimaging.tumblr.com/post/87273645471 • http://moonwrasse.tumblr.com/post/74925720490/there-are-worlds-beyond- our-own • http://craignyephoto.tumblr.com/post/56517467969/espiritu-santo-vanuatu- part-one-aerial-i-was • http://www.safaritheglobe.com/vanuatu/geography-weather-wildlife/
- 122. • http://archaeologicalnews.tumblr.com/post/98251172656/pacific-settlers-developed- gardens-to-survive • http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1280 • http://www.mattsomervillephotography.com/wedding-photographer-in-vanuatu- noumea-and-new-caledonia/ • http://www.opedvanuatu.org/blog • http://www.icde.org/projects/regulatory_frameworks_for_distance_education/count ry_profiles/vanuatu/education_system • http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-si9g-wKnTM/U9PgacktrtI/AAAAAAAAZKM/nmr2C • GJ-iXs/s1600/Frangipani_flowers.jpg • http://www.infoplease.com/country/vanuatu.html?pageno=2 • http://littlecitizensoftheworld.wordpress.com/2012/10/15/port-vila-vanuatu/ • http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1d/Bauerfield.jpg • http://static.panoramio.com/photos/large/4991418.jpg • http://media-cache- ak0.pinimg.com/736x/04/75/e9/0475e9c844cc67a7464d7b42d537f3bc.jpg • http://img1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20100616012227/althistory/images/7/79/Chief_ Roi_Mata's_Domain.jpg • http://www.skyscanner.com.ph/transport/flights/mnl/vli/141125/airfares-from- manila-ninoy-aquino-to-port-vila-in-november- 2014.html?rtn=0&includePlusOneStops=true • http://www.espiritusantotourism.com/howtogetthere.html
- 123. • http://www.wakaphotos.com/nekowiar-toka-festival/ • http://backtomyrootsfestival.wordpress.com/festival-and- rom-dance/ • http://www.jasons.com/vanuatu/people-and-culture-of- vanuatu#sthash.UWQB4PAI.dpuf • http://www.resort- vanuatu.com/mobile/vanuatu_festivals.htm • http://www.vanuatucustomtravel.com/Festivals.html • http://www.noonsite.com/Members/val/R2009-05-17-1 • http://www.jasons.com/vanuatu/people-and-culture-of- vanuatu
Editor's Notes
- Halo gud moning welkam blong Vanuatu Seryoso ginoogle ko yan
- The Republic of Vanuatu, former name, New Hebrides, named after the Scottish Archipelago after being colonized by the British. In Bislama, it’s Ripablik blong Vanuatu. In French, it’s Republique de Vanautu.
- *basa* So Vanuatu generally means, “Land Eternal.”
- It’s anthem, Yumi Yumi Yumi, meaning We, we, we. It’s motto, Long God Yumi Stanap, meaning In God We Stand. The people of Vanuatu are called ni-Vanuatu. And it’s capital, Port-Vila, the center of all activity in Vanuatu.
- The colors of the flag of Vanuatu all have meaning, black for the melanesians, red represents their unity through blood, yellow for Christianity, and green for their lush agriculture. All combining to make this. Turo sa flag. The yellow symbol is the tusk of a boar, a symbol of great wealth. And the ferns are namele leaves, a symbol of peace.
- Vanuatu’s Coat of Arms has a Melanesian warrior standing tall and proud, behind it is a curved pig tusk and namele leaves, which, as mentioned earlier before, is a symbol of great wealth and peace, and underneath is their motto. Long God Yumi Stanap.
- Vanuatu is situated in the continent of Australia and Oceania, in the Southwest Pacific, it has a population of 266,937 and it’s time zone is UTC + 11, advanced by 3 hours from the Philippines.
- This is the island nation of Vanuatu. It’s surrounding island nations are the Solomon Islands, New Caledonia, Tuvalu, and Fiji. And this(arrow) is their capital, Port-Vila.
- And it has the coordinates of 169 degrees east, and 19 degrees south.
- It is also noted for being Y shaped
- And is composed of 83 islands and islets, a lot of which are uninhabited and some are yet to be discovered.
- Their 4 largest islands consist of Espiritu Santo, Malekula, Erro Mango and Efate, where their capital, Port-Vila is located.
- Vanuatu has a wet tropical to subtropical climate, May to October is their dry season, averaging a temperature of 27 to 30 degrees, and their wet season is from November to April, during which the temperature may drop up to almost 12 degrees especially around winter, and their heaviest rains occur during January to March.
- Vanuatu’s geographical features are mostly composed of Beaches, Jungles, Coral Reefs, and Volcanoes.
- Landforms, Vanuatu’s landforms consist of Islands, beaches, Jungles and Volcanoes.
- Islands Again, Vanuatu is made up of 83 islands, most of which are mountainous and volcanic. Among these, Efate is the most populated, and Espiritu Santo is the largest. The southernmost inhabited island is Aneityum, and the northernmost is the Banks and Torres Island group, but if you ask Tourists, the place to be is Malekula Island for a thrill ride, Epi Island, known for it’s lush greenery, Tanna, home of Mount Yasur, and Pentecost Island, home of their famous diving ritual.
- Beaches, (WAG MUNA ICLICK) Vanuatu, being an island nation is home to hundreds of beaches, much like the Philippines, and of course there has to be one that stands out the most, this is (CLICK) Champagne Beach, noted for it’s pristine white sand and crystal clear waters, located in the island of Espiritu Santo.
- This is Champagne Beach, (CLICK) and here are all other beaches you can visit while at Vanuatu.
- Most islands on Vanuatu are also forested, with nature remaining intact. Several other landforms and bodies of water lie inside, like waterfalls, lakes and rivers. The best utilization of forests, while keeping it isolated, is the integration of the
- Jungle Zipline, found in Mele village, near the waterfall, Mele Cascades. Best for thrill seekers, there are 6 ziplines, 2 suspension bridges, and it is 200 meters long, 80 meters above the canyon and finishes across a secret waterfall.
- *basa* Vanuatu also offers cave tours for a tourist adventure something like that
- A 45 minute drive from civilization, the Millenium Cave is another activity for thrill seekers, but before they go spelunking, they trek through narrow jungle paths, creeks and cascades, before they enter the cave, symbolic etching is applied to the face of the tourists to assure safe passage, once this is finished they are given torches as a source of light inside the cave. Once they enter the cave they go through the length of the river, examine the cave walls, and if you lift your torch you may be able to see the bats in their natural territory, after they go through the cave, they climb a steep ridge, where they will be served fruit and coffee as congratulations for scouring through the cave.
- For people incapable of high physical activity, there is still a cave for you. Blue Cave in Tanna. This cave is known for its crystal blue waters safe enough for swimming with the fishes and corals. Along the way you will encounter seagulls, dolphins and turtles.
- Vanuatu sits directly on the Ring of Fire, this is why they have frequent earthquakes and as such, volcanoes are some of Vanuatu's most striking landforms. The chain is home to nine active volcanoes, two of which are undersea. Distinctly, Mount Kuwae, a submarine volcano, one of the most active volcanoes on Vanuatu, believed to have erupted around 1452, causing the creation of a sea between 2 islands. This was the largest eruption to date, leaving an impact on climate worldwide, staining the seawater yellow and the emergence of hydrogen sulfide bubbles. Another distinct volcano is Lopevi, whose crater sticks out of the ocean.
- Mount Yasur. One of the most active volcanoes in the world, erupting at least for several centuries since 1774 after Captain Cook observed by ash eruptions. It is a barren cinder cone with strombolian activity, located on Tanna Island. One can observe spectacular explosions of molten lava several times in one hour and the volcano stands 361 m high.
- Here is an aerial view of Vanuatu, clouded by volcanic ash courtesy of Mount Yasur.
- Daytime and nighttime view
- Sam Cossman and George Kourounis are among the first explorers to have stepped inside one of the world’s most dangerous and inaccessible volcanoes. More people have visited the moon than the lava filled crater in Vanuatu. They were helped by two guides, Geoff Mackley and Brad Ambrose, and spent four days on the volcano. They described Mount Yasur as being like a “window into hell.”
- Bodies of Water. Vanuatu is surrounded by the Coral Sea and the South Pacific Ocean. Its bays are namely Sulphur Bay, near Mount Yasur where the Westerners first arrived, and Velit Bay.
- Hot Springs and Rivers, being a volcanic nation, Vanuatu is rich in these natural sources of heat and water, most springs are found in Efate Island, and a few of the springs found in Vanuatu are: Nagpen River(Selva River) - Biologically nearly sterile river from largest sulfur springs in Vanuatu. Its distance is 10km and has a very bitter taste because of it’s acidity and the water is dark brown with some yellow patches. Takara Hot Springs - Seawater hot springs close to the sea. Ground temperature here reaches up to 101°C, water temperature in springs - 74°C. Thermal fields of Manaro Lakua - Thermal field with hot springs and fumaroles (some sources mention also geysers). Located in pristine tropical forest with numerous endemic species including endemic orchids.
- Blue holes are also quite common in Vanuatu, being a main source of water and recreation for some. One of the most known is the Matevulu Blue Hole, found in Sanma, Espiritu Santo. Tourists and locals usually get here via kayak. It is a beautiful spring coming out of approximately 15 m deep cave filled with blue water. The only place in the world where freshwater hermit crabs live.
- Lakes are usually a result of volcanic activity. Some of the volcanic lakes are Ambrym, Ambae, Gaua, Siwi, now drained, and Vanua Lava.
- Lakes formed in a volcano crater
- Lava lakes are seemingly permanent and violent craters of boiling molten lava. Pictured here is the Marum Lava Lake, and other Lava Lakes are the Ambrym Lava Lake and the Benbow Lava Lake, noted for being one of the most deep. It is around lava lakes that live specially adapted organisms like orchids and insects.
- Waterfalls, are very common in Vanuatu, an example is Siri Falls in Torba, a 120 m tall waterfall within a lush jungle. *click* And their most famous waterfall, Mele Cascades.
- Located in Shefa, Efate Island, tourists go through the Mele village and jungle to get to this location, from there, they go swimming below as they marvel in the beauty of this natural landmark.
- Vanuatu is close to the Coral Triangle, therefore is much more diverse in terms of corals and marine life.
- Vanuatu is very rich in sea life, it is home to almost 4000 marine fishes and mollusks, a few of these are Dugongs, Humpback whales, Dolphins and Turtles, and among the perils of the water is the poisonous Stonefish. THE DOLPHIN IS THE NATIONAL ANIMAL OF VANUATU
- As discussed earlier, Vanuatu is part of the Coral Triangle, and is more diverse in terms of marine flora.
- Despite it’s lush forests, Vanuatu has a limited number of land species, both for plants and animals, it is believed that Vanuatu does not have any indigenuous land mammals and limited plant life. Banyan Trees of Tanna - Many historical villages of Tanna island have giant banyan trees. Diameter of such trees reportedly reaches 50 m. The Banyan of Yakel village has a house built on top - this house is used for circumcision of local boys. Happy Lands Kauri Reserve - One of the last stands of kauri - giant trees reaching up to 40 m height and 10 m circumference.
- Despite no indigenous plant species, Vanuatu is still home to some fauna. Namely, 158 orchid specie, 21 species of palm trees, around 250 species of pterophytes/ more known as ferns, and 12 species of araceae.
- The best known invertebrate is the coconut crab. Harvesting is allowed and is considered a gourmet dish in many restaurants.
- Vanuatu is home to many insects
- Vanuatu, aside form marine life, is rich in birds. It is home to 121 species of birds, some of which are rare and vulnerable. Namely.
- Vanuatu has its fair share of reptiles and amphibians including the Green Banded Iguana was introduced from Fiji and is a species near extinction. The Saltwater crocodile, the only crocodile species in Vanuatu, it is said that there are only 3 or 4 saltwater crocodiles in the nation.
- Other reptilian and amphibian species are
- Vanuatu had no other land mammals except bats until the arrival of the earliest people. There are 12 species of chiropterae (Flying Foxes and Bats) which represent the only native mammals 4 species of flying foxes, all endemic 8 other bats species rats (Rattus exulans, Rattus norvegicus, and Rattus vattus), mice (Mus musculus), feral cattle (Bos Taurus), feral goat (Capra hircus), feral pig (Sus scrofa), feral cats and dogs No indigenuous large mammals It is believed that the guinea pigs were first domesticated in Vanuatu
- This turtle survived on this island until the arrival of first people some 3,100 years ago.
- Vanuatu is home to 266,937 people called the Ni-Vanuatu composed mostly of Melanesians.
- With more than 110 distinctly diverse cultures and languages, Vanuatu is recognized as one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world.
- *basa* Most people in Vanuatu live in poverty, but they are very content, with low market prices and enough food for everyone, they are the most friendly of locals. Most of them belong to small clan-villages ruled by a chief. The chief usually gains such power after the acquirement of a boar’s tusk, considered sacred among the Ni-Vanuatu. He and his family gain a higher social status through their dance costumes, adornment and architecture.
- The chiefs have a nakamal, or a village clubhouse, this is where the men of the village meet and talk about important matters or a place to enjoy kava (their traditional drink) in. And tourists should always be respectful of places that are tabu. These are their holy, sacred or forbidden places and should be respected.
- Because of its rural roots, Vanuatu has a hundred percent marriage rate, mostly arranged marriages, typically with dowry like pigs, money, mats, etc. but some have already adopted Western notions of marriage.And in the southern regions, they participate in a “sister exchange” wherein a man who marries a woman from another family owes that family a woman.
- The nuclear family is the principal domestic unit, but like Filipinos, they often rely on their extended relatives or their kin groups. Families are usually patriarchal, as the women move in with the man’s family, and that the man still holds authority over the family. For babies, they are often taken care of until they are 3, with either an older sibling or caregiver taking care of them. It is not common to physical harm children as a form of punishment, and to ensure the growth of children, elders perform ceremonies that involve the exchange of pigs, mats, kava, etc. And boys aged 6 to 12 often undergo circumcision.
- This photo is from the website of Operation Education: Vanuatu. Showing the need for the development of education. Their language of instruction is English, French, and Bislama. And for their Pre Primary Level, only 13 percent attend, due to it’s cost and cultural factors, and the fact that the government does not focus on the improvement of these schools, however, for the primary levels, 96% attend but only few finish due to high drop out rates and non-attendance. For grades 8 – 13, only 17% attend, and lastly for college, there is almost only one university, the University of the South Pacific.
- Health in Vanuatu. *basa* Most still rely on local diviners and healers, or the Philippine equivalent of an albularyo. They also rely heavily on herbal medicine.
- The John Frum movement is based on the belief that John Frum, a World War II serviceman, will bring you wealth and prosperity if you follow him. It is a widely known cult in Vanuatu.
- The start of civilization in Vanuatu began when Roi Mata ruled it’s lands. A great hero to Vanuatu, he united several tribes and became the last paramount chief. His residence and place of death is the ONLY UNESCO World Heritage Site in Vanuatu, with others still pending. In 1906, it was sighted by Pedro Fernandes de Queiros of Portugal, thinking it was Australia. And in 1774 by Captain James Cook of Britain, who first saw the ashes of Mount Yasur, and named the islands New Hebrides, after the Scottish Archipelago. As Vanuatu kept getting discovered, they were also dragged to slavery in Australia, reducing the population vastly. And in 1839, missionaries arrived with the word of God, and disease, which also greatly reduced the population. Their mission was met with resistance, they managed convert, but the newly converted died from disease as well.
- In 1906, Britain and France signed the Joint Naval Agreement, and began to set up the Condominium of the New Hebrides, which would divide the power of Britain and France into Anglophones, and Francophones, which also divided the people of Vanuatu further. This lasted 76 years and is called the Pandemonium. In 1959 the French President declared they would keep Vanuatu, while the British Prime Minister declared that the UK will no longer hold power over Vanuatu. And in 1971, Melanesians began clamoring for independence, which led to the 1975 election, which put Father Walter Lini, the founding Prime Minister of Vanuatu, whose brother and sister, Hilda and Ham Lini are also prominent ni-Vanuatu politicians, despite being elected, Lini was denied control of Vanuatu, and this caused public protests around the islands, but eventually had their freedom in 1980 after boycotting constitutional meetings in Paris, and instead held their own in Vanuatu.
- In 1999 Father Walter Lini died, and Barak Sope was elected Prime Minister, and in 2002, Barak Sope was convicted of forgery, and was replaced by Alfred Masang, who, in 2004, stepped down as well after his criminal record was revealed. Kalkot Mataskelekele replaced him, being the first president to have a university degree, but was then replaced by Ham Lini, the brother of Walter Lini.
- The Pentecost Diving Ritual, one of Vanuatu’s most famous rituals. From April to June, men and boys jump from wooden towers with a vine tied to their ankle and they must at least touch the soil before the vine yanks them up. This is done to help guarantee a bountiful harvest of yam, and is said to be the inspiration of bungee jumping.
- The Nekowiar or Toka Festival, is held for 3 days on the island of Tanna. This is where everyone puts on their best and try to outdo each other with lavish gifts, dancing and ornate makeup.
- For all other islands, there is usually only one very distinct festival among them, but for the island of Ambrym, there is an air of magic and mystery, making it one of the more weirder areas of Vanuatu. It is called the Black Island for its black, volcanic sand, and for its practice of black magic.
- The Rom Dance of the Island of Ambrym is a rite of passage, it is taught to men who have paid in pigs to uncover the secrets of the dance, while wearing tall, conical masks. And will move up the hierarchy the more they practice it. The sacred ground they dance on is called the Nasara.
- The Black Magic Festival is where the Rom Dance is held, and along with it is spirit summoning, magic demonstrations and more.
- Sand drawing is a form of art and communication where in the drawer must connect a pattern using only a continuous flowing line.
- Yun totoo babasahin mo na lang wooh Pidgin just means mix of language
- Tusker Premium Beer, originating from Vanuatu. Staple food include *read left side* And after contact with the West, *read right*
- Grace Mera Molisa was a ni-Vanuatu politician, poet and campaigner for women's equality in politics. She was described as a “vanguard for Melanesian culture and a voice of the ni-Vanuatu, especially women”. She was the first woman from her country to gain a university degree, a bachelor of arts degree at the University of the South Pacific in 1977. Molisa was an Anglican. She spoke five languages.
- *basa* He is what Manny Pacquiao is to the Philippines.
- Football is apparently a big thing in Vanuatu, as a matter of fact football is the national sport. They are the equivalent of Gilas or the Azkals here and are treated as idols.
- Caves served as shelter when they were in search of one, or in times of war. They eventually developed using coral or volcanic stones as a base for wooden structures. Which ended up with many houses having stone walls, and because of Vanuatu’s agricultural ties, the most common material is vegetable fibre, along with various woods, bamboo, and palm to serve as an umbrella over their heads. Their traditional houses are called Tamma, much like the bahay kubo.
- The Ni-Vanuatu are known for being kind and generous, and what other industry is perfect for that? Tourism helps everyone in the country a lot. It opens jobs for Ni-vanuatu. Men and women that would have been un-employed or that would have found it difficult to find jobs, get to drive Jet ski’s every day, or walk up waterfalls, and learn new languages while working with tourists.
- Vanuatu's economic growth has recently been driven largely by tourism and construction. Tourism and tourism-related services sectors account for approximately 40 percent of GDP and one third of people in formal employment. The growth of tourism has encouraged the production of traditional handicrafts.
- Most of Vanuatu's population lives in rural areas where farming, fishing and production of cash crops such as kava, coconut and cocoa are the main sources of livelihood. Goods exports are dominated by agricultural products, particularly kava, coconut products, beef and cocoa. Most of which is for export to Japan.
- Some of the more famous resorts in Vanuatu are fsjkfskgjnjhd all situated in island capitals for easy access. As for restaurants, there are many local restaurants that offer world class cuisine. And for transportation, you will find the usual buses, taxis, boats, and water taxis.
- You may avail of an airline ticket to Vanuatu via the following airlines. From Manila to Vanuatu, there are no direct flights, which results in layovers in these countries.
- *basa* Manila to Sydney is an 8 hour flight, with an airport wait of approximately 10 – 12 hours max. And Sydney to Vanuatu is 3.5 hours. To make the total of 22 hours.
- Tabwemasana actually consists of two peaks and local folklore believes that these two peaks (male and female) come together in embrace at night.
- Because of this, tourists enjoy water activities like shipwreck diving, snorkelling and scuba diving, often being cited as the best spots for it. Possibly the best shipwreck site is the discovery of the SS President Coolidge Dive the SS President Coolidge for the wreck dive of a lifetime. As one of the largest, most accessible wrecks in the world, the President Coolidge is a wreck diver’s dream. To see the whole ship, you’ll want to do at least 10 dives but you can certainly get a feel for the majesty of the wreck on even a few dives.
- Because of this, tourists enjoy water activities like shipwreck diving, snorkelling and scuba diving, often being cited as the best spots for it. Possibly the best shipwreck site is the discovery of the SS President Coolidge Dive the SS President Coolidge for the wreck dive of a lifetime. As one of the largest, most accessible wrecks in the world, the President Coolidge is a wreck diver’s dream. To see the whole ship, you’ll want to do at least 10 dives but you can certainly get a feel for the majesty of the wreck on even a few dives.