Vanuatu, formerly called the New Hebrides, is a Y-shaped chain of islands
that stretches north to southeast for some 900km. The islands are located
about 2250km northeast of Sydney, Australia, and 800km west of Fiji.
Together with the Banks and Torres islands, the chains make up about
40 mountainous islands and 40 islets and rocks. The islands are volcanic
in origin and there are five active volcanoes. The Ambrym and Lopevi
volcanoes are permanently active and highly dangerous. Lopevi was extinct
for many years but became active 50 years ago and is the zone of continual
and violent eruptions.
Further to the south, on the island of Tanna, is Yasur, the most accessible
active volcano in the world and a major tourist attraction. The highest
peak, Tabwemasan, is on Espíritu Santo. These volcanic islands
are hinged by massive rock formations on the sides of which huge valleys
open up. Most islands are forested, and some have fertile soils.
Vanua (Land) Tu (Eternal) is the only Pacific Island area that had
two colonial rulers at the same time.
During the 19th century the islands making up Vanuatu (then called
the New Hebrides) were settled by British and French planters and traders.
In 1906 the islands became a condominium, a jointly
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Letele, Roshni, Sham, Teleiai Su’a
Edwin, Ruta & Olo Elise on arrival at Faleolo Airport. |
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