The Republic of Vanuatu, formerly known as the New Hebrides, is an island nation in the Southwest Pacific Ocean with about a dozen significant islands and many smaller islands extending between the Equator and the Tropic of Capricorn. Independence was obtained in 1980 after some 74 years of joint rule by Britain and France.

Melanesians were the first people to settle in Vanuatu about 3000 years ago and were joined later by small numbers of Polynesians between the 11th and 15th centuries. Permanent settlement by Europeans didn't happen until the 19th century. Most of the Ni-Vanuatu population still live in villages amongst the islands. English, French and Bislama are the official languages and there are over 100 indigenous languages.

Vanuatu's climate ranges from tropical in the north to sub tropical in the south. The surrounding ocean moderates temperature and trade winds provide a cooling sea breeze.

The local currency is the Vatu (VT). Other currencies such as the US dollar and Australian dollar are accepted in some tourist shops and restaurants. Some exchange rates are 1AUD~80Vatu, 1USD~110Vatu, 1EUR~140Vatu (September 2004).

Port Vila is Vanuatu's premier town/city. It's the largest, the national capital, commercial centre, has a University of the South Pacific campus and is the international and domestic transport hub. Most business is conducted here and most tourists arrive at Bauerfield International Airport.

Emman and Imalo Motel provides guesthouse and studio apartment budget accommodation for independent travellers, backpackers, groups, volunteers, NGOs and business visitors only 15 minutes walk from central Port Vila and about 15 minutes drive from the airport. Find us with our location page.