Vanuatu

Vanuatu is an archipelagic state in the southwestern Pacific Ocean composed of about 80 islands, with a total land area of roughly 12,200 km² and an Exclusive Economic Zone of approximately 680,000 km². The islands are of volcanic origin and are characterised by rugged interiors, fertile soils in coastal plains and extensive tropical vegetation. The climate is tropical maritime, with annual rainfall generally ranging between 2,000 and 4,000 mm, supporting lush plant growth but also exposing the country to cyclones and seasonal variability.

Human settlement dates back over 3,000 years, with traditional subsistence agriculture and fishing forming the basis of livelihoods. Following periods of joint British-French colonial administration under the New Hebrides condominium, Vanuatu achieved independence in 1980. The primary sector remains central to employment and rural economies.
Agriculture contributes around 20–25% of GDP and employs a large share of the population, largely through smallholder systems. Coconut cultivation dominates rural production and supports copra output, which typically ranges between 30,000 and 40,000 tonnes annually. Other important cash crops include kava and cocoa, with cocoa production generally estimated at around 1,000–2,000 tonnes per year. Root crops such as taro, yams and cassava are widely grown for subsistence and local markets. Livestock farming is modest in scale and includes cattle and pigs.

Forests cover approximately 35–40% of the land area, consisting mainly of tropical hardwood species. The forestry sector produces roughly 100,000–150,000 cubic metres of logs annually, largely for export. Timber resources also play an important ecological role in soil conservation and watershed protection.

Marine resources are another key component of the primary sector. Vanuatu’s surrounding waters support both coastal and offshore fisheries, with total fish production generally estimated at around 30,000–40,000 tonnes annually. Coastal fishing remains vital for local food security, while offshore tuna fisheries contribute to export earnings.

Aquaculture is developing gradually and includes small-scale initiatives such as pearl and seaweed farming. Overall, Vanuatu’s primary sector reflects the interaction between fertile volcanic landscapes, moderate forest resources and rich marine environments, with agriculture, forestry and fisheries forming essential pillars of rural livelihoods and economic activity.

2006 Gerold and Klaudia have been 4 days on Vanuatu. We travelled with a car to see more than just the marvelleous sea.