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 outnumbered British settlers

By 1906, French settlers (at 401) outnumbered the British (228), almost two to one, shifting the demographic balance in favor of French subjects.

1906: Australia bars 'blackbird' laborers

In 1906, Australia barred any further 'blackbird' laborers, amidst concerns over abuse and declining population due to the indentured labor trade.

1906: France and the United Kingdom jointly manage the archipelago

In 1906, France and the United Kingdom agreed on a framework for jointly managing the New Hebrides archipelago through an Anglo-French condominium.

1906: France and the United Kingdom agreed to administer the islands jointly

In 1906, France and the United Kingdom agreed to administer the islands jointly, creating the Anglo-French Condominium, a unique form of government with dual systems.

1909: M7 Earthquake

In 1909, Vanuatu experienced one of the 58 M7 or greater earthquake events that occurred between 1909 and 2001.

1910: Fiji bars 'blackbird' laborers

In 1910, Fiji followed Australia in barring any further 'blackbird' laborers amidst concerns over abuse and declining population due to the indentured labor trade.

1913: Samoa bars 'blackbird' laborers

In 1913, Samoa followed Australia and Fiji in barring any further 'blackbird' laborers amidst concerns over abuse and declining population due to the indentured labor trade.

1914: Anglo-French Protocol

In 1914, the Condominium's authority was extended via the Anglo-French Protocol, aiming to curb labor abuses, although it was not formally ratified until 1922.

1922: Anglo-French Protocol ratified

In 1922, the Anglo-French Protocol of 1914 was formally ratified, extending the Condominium's authority in an effort to curb labor abuses.

1929: Vietnamese workers in the New Hebrides

By 1929, there were some 6,000 Vietnamese people in the New Hebrides, working as indentured laborers in the plantations.

1929: Vietnamese population in Vanuatu

In 1929, the Vietnamese population accounted for 10% of Vanuatu's total 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 islands of the New Hebrides.

December 1941: Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor

Following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, the United States joined World War II on the Allied side.

April 1942: Japan advances throughout Melanesia

By April 1942, Japan had advanced rapidly throughout Melanesia, occupying much of what is now Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.

May 1942: US troops stationed on the islands

From May 1942, US troops were stationed on the islands of the New Hebrides, building infrastructure such as airstrips, roads, and military bases.

1943: Solomons reoccupied

With the successful reoccupation of the Solomons in 1943, the New Hebrides lost their strategic importance during the Second World War.

1945: Volcanic Eruption

In 1945, a volcanic eruption occurred in Vanuatu.

1945: Americans withdrew and sold equipment

In 1945, the Americans withdrew from the New Hebrides, selling equipment at bargain prices and dumping the rest in the sea, at a place now called Million Dollar Point.

1946: Repatriation of Vietnamese workers

In 1946, most Vietnamese indentured workers were repatriated from the New Hebrides, following social and political unrest due to poor working conditions.

1957: Advisory Council set up

In 1957, an Advisory Council was established in the New Hebrides, containing some Ni-Vanuatu representation, although it had little power.

1963: West Papua becomes part of Indonesia

In 1963, Western New Guinea or West Papua became part of Indonesia.

1963: Further repatriation of Vietnamese workers

In 1963, more Vietnamese indentured workers were repatriated from the New Hebrides, though a small community remained in Vanuatu.

1966: Nagriamel movement founded

In 1966, the Nagriamel movement was founded on Espiritu Santo by Chief Buluk and Jimmy Stevens, opposing further land clearances and advocating for Ni-Vanuatu-led economic development.

1967: Arrest of Buluk and Stevens

In 1967, Buluk and Stevens were arrested by authorities, prompting them to press for complete independence for the New Hebrides.

1970: Primary enrollment near-universal

By 1970, primary school enrollment in the New Hebrides had increased to be near-universal, following improvements to the mission-run school system.

1971: New Hebrides National Party established

In 1971, Father Walter Lini established the New Hebrides National Party (NHNP), later renamed the Vanua'aku Pati, focusing on achieving independence and opposition to land expropriation.

November 1974: Agreement to create New Hebrides Representative Assembly

In November 1974, the British and French met and agreed to create the New Hebrides Representative Assembly in the colony.

November 1975: First election for New Hebrides Representative Assembly

The first election for the New Hebrides Representative Assembly took place in November 1975, resulting in an overall victory for the NHNP.

November 1976: Assembly convened in November

After discussions and some fresh elections in disputed areas, the Assembly finally convened in November 1976.

March 1977: Anglo-French and Ni-Vanuatu conference

In March 1977, a joint Anglo-French and Ni-Vanuatu conference was held in London, agreeing to hold fresh Assembly elections and an independence referendum in 1980.

1977: Annual cruise ship arrivals reached 40,000

By 1977, annual cruise ship arrivals in the New Hebrides had reached 40,000, following the building of a deep-sea wharf, encouraging increasing urbanisation.

1977: NHNP renamed itself the Vanua'aku Pati (VP)

In 1977, the NHNP renamed itself the Vanua'aku Pati (VP), and now supported immediate independence under a strong central government and an Anglicisation of the islands.

November 1979: Fresh elections held

In November 1979, fresh elections were held in the New Hebrides, which the VP won with a comfortable majority.

July 1980: Independence scheduled for July

Independence was scheduled for 30 July 1980, although the Moderates disputed the results of the recent election.

July 1980: Vanuatu achieved independence

On 30 July 1980, the New Hebrides, now renamed Vanuatu, achieved independence under Prime Minister Walter Lini, with a ceremonial President replacing the Resident Commissioners.

1980: Manganese mining halted

Around 1980, manganese mining was halted in Vanuatu.

1980: Independence Referendum

In 1980, it was agreed at a conference to hold an independence referendum for the New Hebrides.

1980: Republic of Vanuatu Founded

In 1980, the Republic of Vanuatu was founded, marking the culmination of an independence movement in the 1970s.

1980: Development Aid

Since 1980, Australia, the United Kingdom, France and New Zealand have provided the bulk of Vanuatu's development aid.

1980: Tensions continued, Republic of Vemarana declared

Throughout 1980, tensions persisted, with the American libertarian organisation Phoenix Foundation helping Jimmy Stevens declare the independent Republic of Vemarana on Espiritu Santo.

1983: Lini wins the elections

In 1983, Walter Lini won the elections and continued to run the Anglophone-dominated government of Vanuatu.

1987: Lini wins the elections

In 1987, Walter Lini won the elections and continued to run the Anglophone-dominated government of Vanuatu.

1987: Attempt to unseat Lini

In 1987, a section of the Vanua'aku Pati (VP) under Barak Sopé broke off to form the Melanesian Progressive Party (MPP), and President Ati George Sokomanu attempted to unseat Lini after Lini suffered a stroke while visiting the United States.

1989: Primary school enrolment rate rises

In 1989, the rate of primary school enrolment in Vanuatu was 74.5%.

September 1991: Lini Removed from Power

On 6 September 1991, a vote of no confidence removed Lini from power. Donald Kalpokas then became prime minister, and Lini formed a new party, the National United Party (NUP).

1991: UMP Wins Election, Coalition Formed

Following the 1991 election, the Francophone Union of Moderate Parties (UMP) won but lacked a majority. A coalition formed with Lini's NUP, resulting in Maxime Carlot Korman of the UMP becoming prime minister.

1991: Proportion of pupils completing primary education recorded

In 1991, 90% of pupils completed a primary education in Vanuatu.

1991: Lini leaves office

In 1991, Walter Lini left office.

1992: Member of Forum of Small States

Since the group's founding in 1992, Vanuatu has been a member of the Forum of Small States (FOSS).

1993: Civil Service Strikes

In 1993, the government dealt with a series of strikes within the Civil Service, responding with a wave of firings.

1994: Civil Service Strikes

In 1994, the government dealt with a series of strikes within the Civil Service, responding with a wave of firings.

1994: Vanuatu divided into six provinces

Since 1994, Vanuatu has been divided into six provinces.

1996: Vohor and Léyé Abducted

In 1996, Vohor and President Jean-Marie Léyé were briefly abducted by the Vanuatu Mobile Force over a pay dispute but were later released unharmed.

1997: Aid Package from the Asian Development Bank

In 1997, Vanuatu received a large aid package from the Asian Development Bank.

1998: Riot in Port Vila and Reform Program

In 1998, a riot occurred in Port Vila due to concerns over the Vanuatu National Provident Fund, leading to a state of emergency. The Comprehensive Reform Program was also enacted in 1998 to improve economic performance.

November 1999: Earthquake and Tsunami Damage Pentecost

In November 1999, a severe earthquake, followed by a tsunami, caused extensive damage to the northern island of Pentecost, leaving thousands homeless.

1999: Bislama spoken as second language

In 1999, 73.1% of the population spoke indigenous languages as their first language.

1999: Kalpokas Resigns, Sopé Replaces Him

In 1999, Donald Kalpokas resigned as prime minister due to a threatened no-confidence vote and was replaced by Barak Sopé of the MPP.

1999: Primary school enrolment rate increases further

In 1999, the rate of primary school enrolment in Vanuatu rose to 78.2%.

2000: Visitor arrivals

In 2000, Vanuatu had 57,000 visitors.

2001: Sopé Unseated

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 and Tsunami Damage Port Vila

In January 2002, a powerful earthquake caused extensive damage in the capital, Port Vila, and surrounding areas and was also followed by a tsunami.

2002: Natapei Wins Election

Edward Natapei of the VP went on to win the 2002 Vanuatuan general election.

2002: Death of Grace Mera Molisa

In 2002, Grace Mera Molisa, a women's rights activist and descriptive poet from Ni-Vanuatu, passed away.

2003: Vanuatu's economy grows at 5.9% rate

Between 2003 and 2007, Vanuatu's economy grew at a 5.9% rate, according to a report from the Asian Development Bank.

2003: Vanuatu Removed from OECD List

In 2003, Vanuatu was removed from the OECD list of 'uncooperative tax havens'.

2004: Primary school enrolment rate peaks

In 2004, the rate of primary school enrolment in Vanuatu reached 93.0%. Also the proportion of pupils completing a primary education fell to 72%.

2004: Vohor Returns to Power

The 2004 Vanuatuan general election saw Serge Vohor and the UMP return to power, but Vohor was unseated in a confidence vote after less than five months.

2005: Aid Package from the US Millennium Challenge fund

In 2005, Vanuatu received a large aid package from the US Millennium Challenge fund.

2005: Land Usage Estimate

In 2005, an estimate indicated that only 9% of land in Vanuatu was used for agriculture.

2005: UK Aid Ceases and New Donors Emerge

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 – an amount of US$65 million was given for the provision and upgrading of key pieces of public infrastructure.

2006: Agreement to export already mined manganese

In 2006, an agreement was made in Vanuatu to export manganese that had already been mined but not yet exported.

2006: Vanuatu ranked number one in the Happy Planet Index

In 2006, the New Economics Foundation and Friends of the Earth environmentalist group published the Happy Planet Index, and they ranked Vanuatu at number one worldwide.

August 2007: Earthquake Strikes

On 2 August 2007, another earthquake of 7.2 struck Vanuatu.

2007: Agriculture's contribution to Vanuatu's exports

According to the 2007 agricultural census, agricultural exports make up approximately 73% of all exports in Vanuatu. Agriculture, fisheries and forestry is the main source of livelihood for 80% of the population, mostly those living in rural areas, with almost all (99%) engaged in these activities. Total annual household income was 1,803 million vatu.

2007: Vanuatu's economy grows at 5.9% rate

Between 2003 and 2007, Vanuatu's economy grew at a 5.9% rate, according to a report from the Asian Development Bank.

2007: Tourism increase

From 2007 to 2008 Tourism in Vanuatu increased 17%.

2007: Imports and Crop Gardens in Vanuatu

In 2007, Vanuatu's total imports amounted to 20,472 million vatu, which included industrial materials, food and drink, machinery, consumer goods, transport equipment, fuels and lubricants, and other imports. In 2007, there were 97,888 crop gardens, many on flat land and some even on steep slopes. A number of households sold crops grown over a twelve-month period.

2007: Fishing and agriculture in Vanuatu

In 2007, approximately 15,758 households in Vanuatu were involved in fishing, primarily for consumption. Vanuatu's climate supports the growth of various fruits, vegetables, and spices. The estimated value for agricultural products in 2007 included kava, copra, cattle, crop gardens, cocoa, forestry, fishing, and coffee.

2007: Islam in Vanuatu

In 2007, it was estimated that Islam in Vanuatu consisted of about 200 converts.

2007: Primary school enrolment rate declines

In 2007, the rate of primary school enrolment in Vanuatu fell to 85.4%.

2007: Violent Clashes in Port Vila

In 2007, violent clashes broke out in Port Vila between migrants from Tanna and Ambrym, resulting in two deaths.

November 2008: Undersea Eruption

In November 2008, a nearby undersea eruption of 6.4 magnitude occurred with no casualties.

2008: Natapei Returns to Power

Ham Lini lost the 2008 Vanuatuan general election, with Edward Natapei returning to power.

2008: Population Pressure on Resources

In 2008, Vanuatu's population, estimated to be growing at 2.4% annually, was placing increasing pressure on land and resources for agriculture, grazing, hunting, and fishing.

2008: Vanuatu begins adhering to international transparency norms

In 2008, influenced by international pressure, mainly from Australia, Vanuatu started adhering to international norms to improve transparency regarding financial account information.

2008: Lapita sites become Vanuatu's first UNESCO World Heritage Site

In 2008, the Lapita sites became Vanuatu's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing the archaeological evidence consistent with local oral tradition.

2008: Vanuatu National Statistics Office releases agricultural census

In 2008, the Vanuatu National Statistics Office (VNSO) released their 2007 agricultural census.

2008: Tourism increase

In 2008, tourism in Vanuatu increased 17% to 196,134 arrivals.

November 2009: Natapei Briefly Removed

In November 2009, Edward Natapei was briefly removed from power on a procedural technicality, but the action was overturned by the Chief Justice.

2009: Bislama spoken as second language

Between 1999 and 2009, the use of indigenous languages receded from 73.1% to 63.2% of the population.

December 2010: Kilman Ousts Natapei

In December 2010, Sato Kilman of the People's Progressive Party (PPP) ousted Edward Natapei in a no-confidence vote.

2010: Baháʼí Faith in Vanuatu

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: Vanuatu ranked 173rd safest investment destination

In March 2011, Euromoney Country Risk rankings placed Vanuatu as the 173rd safest investment destination globally.

April 2011: Vohor Removes Kilman

In April 2011, Serge Vohor's UMP removed Sato Kilman in a no-confidence vote, but this was invalidated, and Kilman returned as PM.

December 2011: Vanuatu joins WIPO

In December 2011, Vanuatu became the 185th member of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

2011: Vanuatu Joins World Trade Organization

In 2011, Vanuatu joined the World Trade Organization.

2012: Proportion of pupils completing primary education rises

In 2012, the proportion of pupils completing a primary education in Vanuatu rose to 78%.

March 2013: Kilman Ousted

In March 2013, Sato Kilman was ousted after being in office for two years.

2014: Kalosil Ousted

In 2014, Moana Carcasses Kalosil was ousted in a confidence vote, with the VP returning under Joe Natuman.

March 2015: Cyclone Pam Impacts Vanuatu

In March 2015, Cyclone Pam impacted much of Vanuatu as a Category 5 severe tropical cyclone, causing deaths and extensive damage to all the islands.

2015: Cyclone Pam Devastates Vanuatu

In 2015, Cyclone Pam devastated Vanuatu, causing 16 deaths and extensive destruction.

2015: Vanuatu ranked 84th most economically free country

In 2015, Vanuatu was ranked as the 84th most economically free country by The Heritage Foundation and The Wall Street Journal.

2015: Corruption Investigation and Convictions

In 2015, a corruption investigation resulted in the conviction of numerous MPs in Kilman's government for bribery, including former PM Moana Carcasses Kalosil.

2016: DNA studies near Port Vila

In 2016, DNA studies of a 3,000-year-old skeleton found near Port Vila indicated that some people 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: Vanuatu raises human rights concerns at UN

In March 2017, at the UN Human Rights Council's 34th session, Vanuatu, representing some Pacific nations, addressed human rights abuses in Western New Guinea (West Papua), part of Indonesia since 1963. Vanuatu requested a UN report due to alleged deaths of over 100,000 Papuans during the Papua conflict. Indonesia refuted these allegations.

September 2017: Vanuatu raises human rights concerns in West Papua

In September 2017, during the 72nd Session of the UN General Assembly, the Prime Ministers of Vanuatu, Tuvalu, and the Solomon Islands collectively voiced concerns regarding human rights issues in West Papua.

2017: Vanuatu signs UN treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons

In 2017, Vanuatu signed the UN treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.

2017: Vietnamese population in Vanuatu

In 2017, the Vietnamese community accounted for approximately 0.3% (or 1,000 individuals) of Vanuatu's population.

2018: King Charles III visited Vanuatu

In 2018, King Charles III visited Vanuatu and met with some tribal leaders. An anthropologist predicted that the Prince Philip Movement might transfer their veneration to King Charles III after Prince Philip's death.

2018: Vanuatu bans plastic bags and straws

In 2018, Vanuatu implemented a ban on the use of plastic bags and plastic straws.

2018: Concerns raised over Chinese investment in Vanuatu

In 2018, reports from Australia highlighted growing concerns regarding Chinese investment in Vanuatu, where over 50% of the country's $440 million debt was owed to China. Concerns focused on China potentially leveraging Vanuatu's debt to gain control or establish a military presence at Luganville Wharf, which China funded and redeveloped.

2019: Forest Landscape Integrity Index Score

In 2019, Vanuatu had a Forest Landscape Integrity Index mean score of 8.82/10, ranking it 18th globally out of 172 countries.

2019: Plastic waste disposal rate in Vanuatu

In 2019, Vanuatu's plastic waste disposal rate was approximately 2,000 tonnes per year, consisting mostly of single-use soft plastic packaging, polyethylene terephthalate water bottles, and Styrofoam packaging.

2019: British High Commission reopens in Vanuatu

In 2019, the British High Commission in Port Vila reopened as part of the UK Government's 'Pacific Uplift' strategy, with Karen Bell appointed as the new British High Commissioner to Vanuatu.

April 2020: Cyclone Harold Travels Through Espiritu Santo

In April 2020, Cyclone Harold traveled through the Espiritu Santo town of Luganville, causing great material damage there and on at least four islands.

November 2020: First COVID-19 Case Recorded

In November 2020, Vanuatu recorded its first case of COVID-19, becoming one of the last places on Earth to experience a coronavirus outbreak.

2020: Vanuatu's Population Census

According to the 2020 census, Vanuatu had a population of 300,019, consisting of 151,597 men and 148,422 women.

2020: Vanuatu bans more plastic items

In 2020, Vanuatu's government extended its ban on plastic items, including cutlery, single-use plates, and artificial flowers.

2021: Highest Disaster Risk Worldwide

According to the WorldRiskIndex 2021, Vanuatu ranks first among the countries with the highest disaster risk worldwide.

2022: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Vanuatu

According to its 2022 facts and statistics, 3.6% of the population belongs to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with a countrywide membership of over 11,000.

July 2023: Vanuatu loses UK visa-free access

On 19 July 2023, Vanuatu lost visa-free access to the UK because of concerns regarding its citizenship by investment program.

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 to a Fossil Fuel Free Pacific" launched

In 2023, Vanuatu and other island nations vulnerable to climate change (Fiji, Niue, the Solomon Islands, Tonga, and Tuvalu) introduced the "Port Vila Call for a Just Transition to a Fossil Fuel Free Pacific," advocating for the phasing out of fossil fuels, a rapid transition to renewable energy, strengthened environmental laws, and the criminalization of ecocide.

July 2024: China builds governmental buildings in Vanuatu

In July 2024, China constructed three governmental buildings in Vanuatu, including a new presidential palace, as a donation. This action renewed international worries regarding potential overreach by Chinese authorities in Vanuatu and other Pacific nations.

July 2024: Opening Ceremony of Presidential Palace

In July 2024, Minister Charlot Salwai attended the opening ceremony of the new $21 million presidential palace built by China, with Hu Chunhua bestowing an oversized novelty golden key emblazoned with "China Aid". Dragon dancers and ceremonial kava brew completed the festivity.

December 2024: Earthquake Damages Efate

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: Vanuatu ranked number one in the Happy Planet Index

In 2024, the New Economics Foundation and Friends of the Earth environmentalist group published the Happy Planet Index, which analysed data on levels of reported happiness, life expectancy, and ecological footprint, and they ranked Vanuatu at number one worldwide for the second time.