Vanuatu is a country in Oceania / Pacific, Oceania with a rich history, unique culture and some remarkable records. Here are the most interesting facts about Vanuatu that most people don't know.
Vanuatu is the birthplace of bungee jumping — the Naghol land diving ceremony on Pentecost Island has been practiced for centuries, with men jumping from 30m towers with only vines tied to their ankles. The Happy Planet Index has ranked Vanuatu the world's happiest country.
Vanuatu has 113 languages for a population of 320,000 — the highest language density in the world.
Vanuatu's Pentecost Island is the birthplace of bungee jumping — land divers have done it for centuries.
Mount Yasur on Tanna Island is one of the world's most accessible active volcanoes.
The SS President Coolidge is one of the world's largest and most accessible shipwrecks.
Vanuatu is the birthplace of bungee jumping — the Naghol land diving ceremony on Pentecost Island has been practiced for centuries, with men jumping from 30m towers with only vines tied to their ankles. The Happy Planet Index has ranked Vanuatu the world's happiest country.
Vanuatu is known for several remarkable places that attract visitors and define the country's identity:
One of the world's most accessible active volcanoes — you can stand on the rim and watch lava eruptions
The ancient ritual that inspired bungee jumping — men dive from 30m towers with vines tied to their ankles
One of the world's largest and most accessible WWII shipwrecks — a luxury liner turned troop ship
Crystal-clear freshwater blue holes in the jungle — natural swimming pools of extraordinary beauty
Vanuatu is the birthplace of bungee jumping — the Naghol land diving ceremony on Pentecost Island has been practiced for centuries, with men jumping from 30m towers with only vines tied to their ankles. The Happy Planet Index has ranked Vanuatu the world's happiest country.
The capital of Vanuatu is Port Vila.
Vanuatu has a population of approximately 320K.
The official languages of Vanuatu are Bislama / English / French.
Vanuatu gained independence in 1980.
Vanuatu uses the Vanuatu Vatu (VUV).