Anyone who becomes a citizen of Vanuatu joins a country with a rare history: a country that two European powers governed at the same time. The information in this article comes from the Government of Vanuatu's website, the Parliament of Vanuatu's website and Encyclopaedia Britannica, checked on 24 October 2026.
The New Hebrides
The former name of this archipelago in the South Pacific was the "New Hebrides". According to Britannica, Britain and France set up a joint naval commission for the islands in 1887.
The Condominium
- According to Britannica, in 1906 Britain and France formed the Anglo-French "Condominium", with resident commissioners in Port Vila.
- A condominium means the joint administration of a territory by two countries. As a result, dual institutions and administrative systems took shape in the islands.
The road to independence
- According to the Parliament of Vanuatu's history document, the constitution was agreed on 19 September 1979 at a conference in Port Vila and put into effect by an exchange of notes between France and the United Kingdom.
- According to the Government of Vanuatu's website, full sovereignty was granted by both European nations on 30 July 1980.
- According to Britannica, on that day the country became independent within the Commonwealth as the Republic of Vanuatu.
- Britannica adds that an attempt in mid-1980 by Jimmy Stevens, leader of the Na-Griamel party, to separate the island of Espiritu Santo was unsuccessful.
Vanuatu today
- Capital: Port Vila, on the island of Efate; according to Britannica the largest town and commercial centre of the country.
- Islands: the Government of Vanuatu's website describes the country as an archipelago of 83 islands.
- Independence Day, 30 July, is the national day.
Why this history still matters
The dual English and French heritage can still be seen in the country's languages, education and some of its institutions. Knowing this history helps new citizens understand their country better.
The article "Getting to know Vanuatu" introduces the country's geography, people and economy today.
This article is general information.
Sources
- Government of Vanuatu, about Vanuatu — https://www.gov.vu/index.php/about/about-vanuatu (via the search index; checked on 24 October 2026)
- Parliament of Vanuatu, a brief history of the Vanuatu Parliament — https://parliament.gov.vu/images/history.pdf (via the search index; checked on 24 October 2026)
- Encyclopaedia Britannica, history of Vanuatu — https://www.britannica.com/place/Vanuatu/History (secondary source; checked on 24 October 2026)