Capital of Vanuatu: Port Vila
The capital of Vanuatu is Port Vila. Vanuatu sits in Oceania, has a population of 326,740, and uses the VUV. Official languages include Bislama, English, French.
Quick facts
- Capital: Port Vila
- Continent: Oceania
- Population: ~326,740
- Area: 12,189 km²
- Population density: 26.8 people per km²
- Official languages: Bislama, English, French
- Currency: VUV
- ISO code: VU
How big is Vanuatu?
By population, Vanuatu ranks 175th in the world, holding roughly well under a hundredth of a percent of all people on Earth. By land area it ranks 158th.
Those two numbers rarely match, and the gap between them is the interesting part. Vanuatu has 26.8 people per square kilometre, which is about 2.2 times below the world average of 59.4. It is more spacious than its population alone would suggest.
Within Oceania, Vanuatu is the 6th most populous country of 14.
Countries of a similar size
The two countries closest to Vanuatu in population are Barbados (281,635) and Iceland (372,899).
By land area, its closest counterparts are Qatar (11,586 km²) and Gambia (11,295 km²).
Comparisons like these are worth more than raw figures when you are trying to remember them. A number on its own is hard to hold; a number next to a country you already have a feel for is much easier.
Language and currency
Bislama is listed as an official language of Vanuatu alone, which is unusual — most official languages are shared across borders.
Vanuatu uses the VUV, and it is the only country that does, which makes the currency name a reliable one-to-one clue.
Vanuatu in Oceania
The largest countries by population sharing this continent are Australia, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand and Fiji.
If you are learning capitals region by region — far more effective than working alphabetically — Oceania is the block Vanuatu belongs to, and its neighbours are the ones worth learning alongside it.
Try the Country to Capital Quiz, or the harder reverse direction. There is also a full country profile for Vanuatu and a page on the flag of Vanuatu.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Vanuatu?
The capital of Vanuatu is Port Vila.
What is the population of Vanuatu?
About 326,740, making it the 175th most populous country in the world.
How big is Vanuatu?
12,189 square kilometres, ranking 158th by land area, at a density of 26.8 people per square kilometre.
What currency does Vanuatu use?
The VUV, which no other country uses.