History of Vanuatu in Timeline
Vanuatu is an island country in Melanesia, situated in the South Pacific Ocean. This volcanic archipelago lies east of northern Australia, northeast of New Caledonia, east of New Guinea, southeast of the Solomon Islands, and west of Fiji.
1906: French settlers outnumber British settlers
By 1906, French settlers in the New Hebrides outnumbered the British by almost two to one.
1906: Australia bars "blackbird" labourers
In 1906, Australia barred any further 'blackbird' labourers, amidst the decline of Vanuatu's population due to disease and abuses in the labour trade.
1906: Anglo-French Condominium Agreement
In 1906, France and the United Kingdom agreed on a framework for jointly managing the archipelago as the New Hebrides through an Anglo-French condominium.
1910: Fiji bars "blackbird" labourers
In 1910, Fiji barred any further 'blackbird' labourers, amidst the decline of Vanuatu's population due to disease and abuses in the labour trade.
1913: Samoa bars "blackbird" labourers
In 1913, Samoa barred any further 'blackbird' labourers, amidst the decline of Vanuatu's population due to disease and abuses in the labour trade.
1914: Anglo-French Protocol Extended
In 1914, the Condominium's authority was extended via the Anglo-French Protocol in an effort to curb abuses, although not formally ratified until 1922.
1922: Anglo-French Protocol Ratified
In 1922, the Anglo-French Protocol of 1914 was formally ratified, though labour abuses continued, and Ni-Vanuatu were barred from acquiring citizenship.
1929: Vietnamese Workers in New Hebrides
By 1929, there were some 6,000 Vietnamese indentured workers in the plantations of the New Hebrides.
1929: Vietnamese Population
In 1929, the Vietnamese community comprised 10% of Vanuatu's population.
1940: Britain Gains Authority
In 1940, the fall of France to Nazi Germany allowed Britain to gain a greater level of authority on the New Hebrides.
December 1941: Pearl Harbor Attack
Following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941, the United States joined the war.
April 1942: Japanese Advancement
By April 1942, Japan was in possession of much of what is now Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, leaving the New Hebrides on the frontline.
May 1942: US Troops Stationed
From May 1942, US troops were stationed on the islands of the New Hebrides, building airstrips and military bases.
1943: Reoccupation of the Solomons
With the successful reoccupation of the Solomons in 1943, the New Hebrides lost their strategic importance.
1945: Withdrawal of American Troops
In 1945, the Americans withdrew from the New Hebrides, leading to the growth of 'cargo cults' such as John Frum.
1946: Repatriation of Vietnamese Workers
In 1946, most Vietnamese workers were repatriated from the New Hebrides.
1957: Advisory Council Set Up
In 1957, an Advisory Council was set up in the New Hebrides containing some Ni-Vanuatu representation, but it had little power.
1963: Further Repatriation of Vietnamese Workers
In 1963, additional Vietnamese workers were repatriated, although a small community remained in Vanuatu.
1966: Founding of Nagriamel movement
In 1966, the Nagriamel movement was founded by Chief Buluk and Jimmy Stevens, opposing land clearances.
1967: Arrests of Buluk and Stevens
In 1967, Chief Buluk and Jimmy Stevens were arrested, prompting them to press for complete independence.
1970: Near-Universal Primary Enrollment
By 1970, primary enrollment in the New Hebrides' school system had greatly increased to be near-universal.
1971: Founding of the New Hebrides National Party
In 1971, Father Walter Lini established the New Hebrides National Party, later renamed the Vanua'aku Pati (VP), focusing on independence and opposition to land expropriation. Also in 1971, the Condominium government intervened after a rash of land speculation by foreign nationals.
November 1974: Agreement to Create New Hebrides Representative Assembly
In November 1974, the British and French agreed to create a New Hebrides Representative Assembly.
November 1975: First Election of the Assembly
In November 1975, the first election for the New Hebrides Representative Assembly took place, resulting in a victory for the NHNP.
November 1976: Convening of the Assembly
In November 1976, after disputes and fresh elections, the New Hebrides Representative Assembly finally convened.
March 1977: Conference in London
In March 1977, a joint conference was held in London, agreeing to Assembly elections and an independence referendum in 1980.
1977: Growth of Cruise Ship Tourism
By 1977, annual cruise ship arrivals in the New Hebrides reached 40,000 due to a building boom and the construction of a deep-sea wharf.
1977: Renaming of the NHNP
In 1977, the New Hebrides National Party (NHNP) renamed itself the Vanua'aku Pati (VP), and supported immediate independence.
November 1979: VP Victory in Elections
In November 1979, the VP won elections with a majority, scheduling independence for 30 July 1980.
July 1980: Independence Scheduled
Independence was scheduled for 30 July 1980.
1980: Republic of Vemarana declared
In 1980, Nagriamel and Moderate activists under Jimmy Stevens declared the independent Republic of Vemarana on Espiritu Santo, prompting a blockade.
1980: Independence Referendum
In 1980, it was agreed to hold fresh Assembly elections and later an independence referendum.
1980: Founding of the Republic of Vanuatu
In 1980, the Republic of Vanuatu was founded, marking its independence. The country then joined several international organizations.
1980: New Hebrides name change
In 1980, the name of the islands were explored extensively by British explorer Captain James Cook, who named them the New Hebrides, after the Hebrides off the west coast of Scotland, a name that lasted until independence in 1980.
1980: Development Aid
Since 1980, Australia, the United Kingdom, France and New Zealand have provided the bulk of Vanuatu's development aid.
1987: Attempt to unseat Lini
In 1987, after Lini suffered a stroke, an attempt was made by President Ati George Sokomanu to unseat him, but it failed.
1989: Primary School Enrolment
In 1989, the rate of primary school enrolment was 74.5%.
September 1991: Vote of No Confidence Ousts Lini
On 6 September 1991, a vote of no confidence removed Lini from power, leading to Kalpokas becoming prime minister.
1991: General Election
Following the 1991 general election, Vanuatu experienced political instability with frequent changes in prime ministers due to fractious coalition governments and no confidence votes.
1991: Pupils Completing Primary Education
In 1991, the proportion of pupils completing a primary education was 90%.
1992: FOSS Founding Member
Vanuatu has been a member of the Forum of Small States (FOSS) since the group's founding in 1992.
1993: Civil Service Strikes
In 1993, the government dealt with a series of strikes within the Civil Service.
1994: Civil Service Strikes
In 1994, the government dealt with a series of strikes within the Civil Service.
1994: Division into Six Provinces
Since 1994, Vanuatu has been divided into six provinces, with names derived from the initial letters of their constituent islands.
1996: Abduction of Vohor and Leye
In 1996, Vohor and President Jean-Marie Léyé were briefly abducted by the Vanuatu Mobile Force over a pay dispute.
1997: Aid Packages
In 1997, Vanuatu received large aid packages from the Asian Development Bank.
1998: Port Vila Riot
In 1998, a riot occurred in Port Vila due to concerns about the Vanuatu National Provident Fund, leading to a state of emergency. The Comprehensive Reform Program was also enacted in 1998 to improve the economy.
November 1999: Earthquake and Tsunami on Pentecost Island
In November 1999, a severe earthquake, followed by a tsunami, caused extensive damage to the northern island of Pentecost, leaving thousands homeless.
1999: Use of Indigenous languages
Between 1999 and 2009, use of the indigenous languages receded from 73.1% to 63.2% of the population.
1999: Kalpokas Resignation
In 1999, Donald Kalpokas resigned as prime minister when threatened with a no confidence vote, being replaced by Barak Sopé of the MPP.
1999: Primary School Enrolment
In 1999, the rate of primary school enrolment rose to 78.2%.
2000: Visitor Statistics
In 2000, there were only 57,000 visitors to Vanuatu.
2001: Sope Ousted
In 2001, Barak Sopé was unseated in a no confidence vote.
2001: Natapei becomes Prime Minister
In 2001, Edward Natapei of the VP became prime minister.
January 2002: Earthquake in Port Vila
In January 2002, a powerful earthquake caused extensive damage in the capital, Port Vila, and surrounding areas, and was followed by a tsunami.
2002: Natapei Wins Election
In 2002, Edward Natapei went on to win the Vanuatuan general election.
2002: Death of Grace Mera Molisa
Women's rights activist and poet Grace Mera Molisa died in 2002.
2003: Economic Growth
From 2003 to 2007, Vanuatu's economy grew at a 5.9% rate.
2003: OECD Tax Haven List Removal
In 2003, Vanuatu was removed from the OECD list of 'uncooperative tax havens'.
2004: Vohor Returns to Power
In 2004, Vohor and the UMP returned to power. He was later unseated in a confidence vote and replaced by Ham Lini.
2004: Primary School Enrolment
In 2004, the rate of primary school enrolment rose to 93.0%.
2005: Aid Packages
In 2005, Vanuatu received large aid packages from the US Millennium Challenge fund.
2005: UK Aid Ceases; MCA Support Announced
In 2005, direct aid from the UK to Vanuatu ceased. In 2005, the MCA announced that Vanuatu was one of the first 15 countries in the world selected to receive support of US$65 million.
2006: Happy Planet Index Ranking
In 2006, the Happy Planet Index ranked Vanuatu at number one worldwide.
2006: Agreement to Export Manganese
In 2006, there was an agreement to export manganese already mined but not yet exported.
August 2007: Earthquake
On 2 August 2007, an earthquake of 7.2 struck Vanuatu.
2007: Economic Growth
From 2003 to 2007, Vanuatu's economy grew at a 5.9% rate.
2007: Islam in Vanuatu
In 2007, Islam in Vanuatu was estimated to consist of about 200 converts.
2007: Agricultural Census Data
In 2007, agricultural exports made up about three-quarters (73%) of all exports; 80% of the population lives in rural areas where "agriculture is the main source of their livelihood"; and of these households, almost all (99%) engaged in agriculture, fisheries and forestry.
2007: Fishing Household Statistics
In 2007, the number of households engaged in fishing was 15,758, mainly for consumption (99%), and the average number of fishing trips was 3 per week.
2007: Primary School Enrolment
In 2007, the rate of primary school enrolment fell to 85.4%.
2007: Violent Clashes
In 2007, violent clashes broke out in Port Vila between migrants from Tanna and Ambrym, in which two people died.
2007: Cattle Value Estimate
One estimate in 2007 for the total value of cattle heads sold was 135 million vatu.
November 2008: Undersea Volcanic Eruption
In November 2008, a nearby undersea volcanic eruption of 6.4 magnitude occurred with no casualties.
2008: Natapei Returns to Power
In 2008, Edward Natapei returned to power after Ham Lini lost the Vanuatuan general election.
2008: Population Pressure
In 2008, Vanuatu's population growth (estimated at 2.4% annually) was placing increasing pressure on land and resources.
2008: UNESCO World Heritage Site Designation
In 2008, the Lapita archaeological sites were designated as Vanuatu's first UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2008: Release of Agricultural Census
In 2008, the Vanuatu National Statistics Office (VNSO) released their 2007 agricultural census.
2008: Transparency Improvement
Until 2008, Vanuatu did not release account information to other governments, later adhering to international norms to improve transparency.
November 2009: Natapei Removed then Reinstated
In November 2009, Prime Minister Natapei was briefly removed from office on a technicality, but the action was overturned by the Chief Justice.
2009: Use of Indigenous languages
Between 1999 and 2009, use of the indigenous languages receded from 73.1% to 63.2% of the population.
December 2010: Kilman Ousts Natapei
In December 2010, Sato Kilman ousted Natapei in a no confidence vote.
2010: Baháʼí Faith Statistics
As of 2010, 1.4% of the people of Vanuatu are members of the Baháʼí Faith, making Vanuatu the 6th most Baháʼí country in the world.
March 2011: Euromoney Country Risk Rankings
In March 2011, Vanuatu was ranked the 173rd safest investment destination in the world by the Euromoney Country Risk rankings.
April 2011: Vohor Ousts Kilman, Victory Invalidated
In April 2011, Vohor's UMP removed Kilman in a no confidence vote, but this was invalidated on a technical point and Kilman returned.
December 2011: WIPO Membership
In December 2011, Vanuatu became the 185th member of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
2012: Pupils Completing Primary Education
In 2012, the proportion of pupils completing a primary education rose to 78%.
March 2013: Kilman Ousted
In March 2013, Sato Kilman was ousted from office.
2014: Kalosil Ousted
In 2014, Kalosil was ousted in another confidence vote, with the VP returning under Joe Natuman.
March 2015: Cyclone Pam Impact
In March 2015, Cyclone Pam impacted much of Vanuatu as a Category 5 severe tropical cyclone, causing deaths and extensive damage.
2015: Cyclone Pam
In 2015, Cyclone Pam devastated the country, resulting in 16 deaths and significant destruction.
2015: Economic Freedom Ranking
In 2015, Vanuatu was ranked the 84th most economically free country by The Heritage Foundation and The Wall Street Journal.
2015: Corruption Convictions
In 2015, a corruption investigation resulted in the conviction of numerous MPs in Kilman's government for bribery.
2016: DNA studies near Port Vila
In 2016, DNA studies of a 3,000-year-old skeleton found near Port Vila indicates that some may have arrived directly from the Philippines and/or Taiwan.
2016: Salwai Wins Election
In 2016, Kilman lost the Vanuatuan general election to Charlot Salwai's Reunification Movement for Change (RMC).
March 2017: UN Human Rights Council Statement
In March 2017, at the 34th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council, Vanuatu made a joint statement raising human rights abuses in the Western New Guinea or West Papua region.
September 2017: UN General Assembly Concerns
In September 2017, at the 72nd Session of the UN General Assembly, the Prime Ministers of Vanuatu, Tuvalu, and the Solomon Islands once again raised human rights concerns in West Papua.
2017: UN Treaty on Nuclear Weapons
In 2017, Vanuatu signed the UN treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.
2017: Vietnamese Population
In 2017, the Vietnamese community comprised about 0.3% (or 1,000 individuals) of Vanuatu's population.
2018: King Charles' Visit
In 2018, King Charles III visited Vanuatu and met with some of the tribal leaders.
2018: Plastic Bag Ban
In 2018, Vanuatu banned all use of plastic bags and plastic straws.
2018: Chinese Investment Concerns
In 2018, reports indicated growing concern about the level of Chinese investment in Vanuatu, with over 50% of the country's debt of $440 million owed to China.
2019: Forest Landscape Integrity Index
In 2019, Vanuatu had a Forest Landscape Integrity Index mean score of 8.82/10.
2019: Plastic Waste Statistics
In 2019, Vanuatu's plastic waste disposal rate was approximately 2,000 tonnes per year, with the most common items being single-use soft plastic packaging, polyethylene terephthalate water bottles, and styrofoam packaging.
2019: Reopening of British High Commission
In 2019, the British High Commission to Vanuatu, located in Port Vila, reopened as part of the UK Government's 'Pacific Uplift' strategy.
April 2020: Cyclone Harold
In April 2020, Cyclone Harold travelled through the Espiritu Santo town of Luganville, causing great material damage.
November 2020: First COVID-19 Case
In November 2020, Vanuatu recorded its first case of COVID-19.
2020: Population Census
According to the 2020 census, Vanuatu had a population of 300,019, with more men than women.
2020: Further Plastic Bans
In 2020, the government banned another seven more 'types' of items, covering cutlery, single-use plates, and artificial flowers.
2021: WorldRiskIndex Ranking
According to the WorldRiskIndex 2021, Vanuatu ranked first among the countries with the highest disaster risk worldwide.
2022: Church of Jesus Christ Statistics
According to its 2022 facts and statistics, 3.6% of the population belongs to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
July 2023: UK Visa-Free Access Lost
On 19 July 2023, Vanuatu lost UK visa-free access due to concerns over its citizenship by investment scheme.
October 2023: Aim to Eliminate Cervical Cancer
In October 2023, Vanuatu aimed to be the first Pacific country to eliminate cervical cancer.
2023: Port Vila Call for a Just Transition
In 2023, Vanuatu and other island nations launched the "Port Vila Call for a Just Transition to a Fossil Fuel Free Pacific", advocating for renewable energy and the criminalization of ecocide.
July 2024: China Builds Governmental Buildings
In July 2024, China built three governmental buildings, including the new presidential palace, supposedly as a free donation to Vanuatu, which has revived international concerns about the potential overreach of Chinese authorities on Vanuatu and other Pacific countries.
July 2024: New Presidential Palace Opening
In July 2024, Minister Charlot Salwai attended the opening ceremony of the new $21 million presidential palace built by China.
December 2024: Earthquake Devastation
In December 2024, a magnitude 7.3 earthquake reportedly damaged almost every single house in Efate, where the capital, Port Vila, is located, resulting in 19 fatalities.
2024: Happy Planet Index Ranking
In 2024, the Happy Planet Index ranked Vanuatu at number one worldwide for the second time.
