Formerly known as the New Hebrides, Vanuatu is a group of 83 islands in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Australia and west of Fiji. In 1906, British and French settlers agreed to administer the islands jointly in what was called the British-French Condominium. This governing body lasted until the people of Vanuatu were granted independence in 1980.
Efate is Vanuatu’s main island and is home to the capital, Port Vila. With a rugged coastline, rich marine life and an abundance of restaurants and bars, Efate is the most developed of Vanuatu’s islands and is the ideal base from which to explore the rest of the country.