Vanuatu Independence Day is observed annually on July 30 by the Republic of Vanuatu. This holiday commemorates the independence of Vanuatu from the joint rule of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and France on July 30, 1980. Vanuatu, formerly known as New Hebrides, had been subject to the rule of both European powers for approximately 74 years before beginning to advocate for independence in the 1970s. Following the November 1979 elections, Prime Minister Walter Lini was elected, and independence was set for July 30, 1980, after which the Anglo-French troops withdrew from Vanuatu. Let’s get to know more about Independence Day of Vanuatu in this article.
History Behind the Independence of Vanuatu
Vanuatu gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1980. British intervention in Vanuatu began in July 1774, when British explorer Captain James Cook arrived on the islands. From July to September 1774, he investigated the islands, eventually naming them ‘New Hebrides’, a reference to the Hebrides off Scotland’s west coast. From 1839 onwards, an increasing number of Europeans, mostly Protestant and Roman Catholic missionaries, arrived in the New Hebrides to convert the islanders to Christianity. Cotton, coffee, cocoa, bananas, and coconuts were among the commodities imported from Australia by British subjects. Following in their footsteps were French settlers, and by 1906, the French population outnumbered the British population by 173.
The British and French governments signed the Anglo-French Condominium Treaty in 1906 to jointly administer the islands. The Anglo-French Condominium required the operation of two legal, governmental, judicial, and financial systems at the same time. However, native Vanuatu citizens were not permitted to become citizens of either country. The victims were also subjected to other forms of labor exploitation. Because of the fall of France to Germany during World War II, the British gained control of the islands. When the war ended, the now-ineffective Condominium government struggled to reestablish its authority.
Movements and agitation for independence began in the 1970s, with native people forming their own parties. Following several failed elections, a compromise was reached between the Anglo-French and indigenous parties. Independence was set for July 30, 1980, while elections between the two major parties were held. New Hebrides, now known as the Republic of Vanuatu, gained independence on July 30, 1980, under a new government led by Prime Minister Walter Lini.
Timeline of the Independence of Vanuatu
| Time Period | Event | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1100 B.C — 700 B.C | The Settlers Have Arrived | The Lapita culture has settled on the Vanuatu islands. |
| 1774 | Vanuatu Islands | Captain James Cook, a British explorer, named the islands of Vanuatu the “New Hebrides.” |
| 1980 | Republic of Vanuatu | Vanuatu gains independence from the United Kingdom on July 30. |
Fascinating Facts about Vanuatu
- Vanuatu is located in Oceania’s South Pacific Ocean. Vanuatu is an archipelago made up of approximately 80 smaller islands, 65 of which are inhabited.
- The Republic of Vanuatu is part of Melanesia, an Oceanian region. Vanuatu is the smallest of Melanesia’s five independent countries. Melanesia includes parts of Indonesia and French New Caledonia, as well as Fiji, East Timor, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands.
- Vanuatu is a Melanesian country in the Pacific Ocean. Vanuatu is derived from the Melanesian words vanua, which means “land,” and tu, which means “to stand or remain,” and represents independence or belonging to “our land.”
- Vanuatu’s three largest islands are Efate, Espiritu Santo (also known simply as Santo), and Malakula. Only two larger cities exist – Port Vila on Efate Island and Luganville on Santo Island.
- Port Vila, Vanuatu’s capital and largest city, has a population of approximately 53 000 people.
- Melanesians were the first to inhabit Vanuatu in 2000 BC. The islands were visited by various explorers in the 15th century and later settled by British and French settlers.
- Vanuatu’s currency is known as the ‘Vanuatu Vatu’.
- Mount Tabwemasana is Vanuatu’s highest peak, standing at 1879 meters/ 6165 feet. The mountain is located on the island of Espiritu Santo.
- The national anthem of Vanuatu is called “Yumi, yumi, yumi” in Bislama. Yumi translates to ‘we’ in English.
- Agriculture, cattle ranching, fishing, tourism, and offshore financial services are the main economic sectors. Manganese, timber (hardwood), and seafood are natural resources.