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| VANUATU |
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Vanuatu means "Our land" and its people are called "Ni Vanuatu". Vanuatu is a chain of 180 islands in the South Pacific and it is part of the Melanesian Archipelago, which includes Papua New Guinea and Fiji. Vanuatu has a unique blend of intact tribal communities, resorts, beaches and geography ranging from accessible volcanoes to pristine underwater environments. With a population of approximately 217,746, Vanuatu boasts 113 distinct languages and innumerable dialects. This makes it one of the most culturally diverse countries on earth. Story telling, songs and dances are of paramount importance in the local cultures. Art, in its many forms, from body decorations and tattoos, to elaborate masks, hats and carvings are also a vital part of ritual celebrations and the social life of the village.
The economy is based primarily on subsistence or small-scale agriculture, which provides a living for 65% of the population. Fishing, offshore financial services, and tourism are other mainstays of the economy. Economic development is hindered by dependence on relatively few commodity exports, vulnerability to natural disasters, and long distances from main markets and between constituent islands.
Although Vanuatu sounds like paradise, it has one of the lowest standards of living in the world and is virtually a subsistence economy. YCI works with partner Youth Challenge Australia and local partner, Youth Challenge International – Vanuatu. Programming focuses on construction and sanitation projects to meet basic community needs and youth skills development that can include life skills and employability training, malaria or HIV awareness.
While on project you might also be able to try Kava-kava - the national drink, take part in a Melanesian ceremony, feast on traditional foods, snorkel in the beautiful clear blue Pacific Ocean waters.
For more information about YCI programming in Vanuatu, read the "Program Country Profile - Vanuatu
| HDI: |
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119/177 |
| Population: |
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0.2 million |
| Life Expectancy: |
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68.4 years |
| Adult Literacy Rate: |
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74% |
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Program Overview
