a republic comprising a group of islands in the W Pacific, W of Fiji: a condominium under Anglo-French joint rule from 1906; attained partial autonomy in 1978 and full independence in 1980 as a member of the Commonwealth. Its economy is based chiefly on copra. Official languages: Bislama; French; English. Religion: Christian majority. Currency: vatu. Capital: Port Vila (on Efate). Pop: 276 244 (2017 est). Area: about 14 760 sq km(5700 sq miles)
Official name: Republic of Vanuatu. Former name (until 1980): New Hebrides
Vanuatu in American English
(ˌvænwɑˈtu; ˌ vɑnwɑˈtu; vænˈwɑtu; ˌ vænʊˈwɑtu)
country on a group of islands in the SW Pacific, west of Fiji: formerly an Anglo-French condominium, it became an independent republic in 1980; member of the Commonwealth: 4,706 sq mi (12,188 sq km); pop. 143,000; cap. Vila