Port Vila Vanuatu

Port vila is the capital and main business centre of Vanuatu. Port vila is the gateway to Vanuatus islands and tourist areas. Once you arrive in Port Vila, you can then fly, drive or take a boat to other islands in Vanuatu. Port vila also provides accommodation and shopping for tourists and locals alike.

The area occupied by Port Vila has been inhabited by Melanesian people for thousands of years. In 1606, the first Europeans arrived at the island, led by Pedro Fernández de Quirós and Luis Váez de Torres.

In the 19th century, French settlers established the municipality of Franceville, which declared independence in 1889 and became the first self-governing nation to practice universal suffrage without distinction of sex or race. Although the population at the time consisted of about 500 native islanders and less than 50 whites, only the latter were permitted to hold office.

After 1887 the territory was jointly administered by the French and the British. This was formalized in 1906 as an Anglo-French Condominium.

During World War II, Port Vila was an American and Australian airbase.

Port Vila is Vanuatu's most important harbour and the centre of the country's trade. The international airport, Bauerfield International is also located in the city.

Major industries in the city remain agriculture and fishing. Tourism is also becoming important, especially from Australia and New Zealand.

Vanuatu is a tax haven, and offshore financing in Port Vila is an important part of the economy.

Vanuatu is still dependent on foreign aid, most of which comes from Australia and New Zealand. Examples of Aid has been the New Zealand Government paying to train doctors selected from the local community and then paying part of their wages during the first year after qualification and Australia paying the wages of consultants to work in Port Vila Central Hospital.

35.7% of exports leave from Port Vila, whereas 86.9% of imports into the country arrived in Port Vila.

In Port Vila, Bislama is spoken by all the population as the day-to-day language. In addition, English and French are also widespread. Other Indigenous languages are also spoken in the city.

Port Vila has a tropical climate, with a dry and wet season, as dose the rest of Vanuatu.

Port Vila and Vanuatu remain popular tourist destinations for those seaking a laid back lifestyle and carefree holiday break away from the fast pace of modern life in more developed countries, such as the USA, UK, Australia and New Zealand.