Vanuatu
Republic of Vanuatu
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +2.27%
Situated in Melanesia, Vanuatu has a population of approximately 327.8k—a modestly sized nation in population terms. The country extends across 12,189 km², translating to a density of 27 people per km². Its capital is Port Vila, and official languages include Bislama, English, and French, while the Vanuatu vatu serves as the national currency.
Population
327,777
Area
12,189 km²
Density
27/km²
World Rank
#182
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
Population growth has effectively stalled at 0% annually, suggesting the country is approaching or has reached a demographic plateau. A birth rate of 28.1 per thousand far outpaces the death rate of 5.1 per thousand, driving strong natural increase. A youthful age structure is evident: 38.3% of the population is under 15, while only 4.3% is over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- Port Vila
- Region
- Oceania
- Subregion
- Melanesia
- Continent
- Oceania
- Languages
- Bislama, English, French
- Currencies
- Vanuatu vatu (Vt)
- Calling Code
- +678
- Top-Level Domain
- .vu
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC+11:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 327,777
- Land Area
- 12,189 km²
- Population Density
- 27 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +2.27%
- Annual Growth
- +7,441 people
- Daily Growth
- +20 people
- World Population Share
- 0.00%
- Coordinates
- -16.00°, 167.00°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
At around $3.4k per person, the economy falls into the lower-middle-income tier, reflecting ongoing development needs. Unemployment sits at 5.1%, roughly in line with the global average of 5.8%. The Gini index of 32.3 indicates a moderate level of income inequality.
Life Expectancy
71.5 years
GDP per Capita
$3,411
Birth Rate
28.1 per 1,000
Death Rate
5.1 per 1,000
Urban Population
22.3%
Fertility Rate
3.60 births/woman
Infant Mortality
14.2 per 1,000
Unemployment
5.1%
Literacy Rate
88.0%
Internet Users
45.7%
Under 15
38.3%
Over 65
4.3%
Health Spending
4.1% GDP
Gini Index
32.3
Age Distribution
0-14 years
126K
15-64 years
188K
65+ years
14K
Urbanization
Only 22.3% of the population lives in urban areas, reflecting a predominantly rural way of life that shapes access to services and markets. Port Vila serves as the administrative heart of the country and concentrates much of its commercial and civic life. Net emigration of 52.0 per thousand is thinning rural areas in particular, accelerating the concentration of population in cities.
73,061
22.3%
254,716
77.7%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 71.5 years is roughly in line with the global benchmark of 72.8. Infant mortality stands at 14.2 per thousand live births, somewhat higher than the global average. The literacy rate of 88% is roughly in line with the world average, reflecting the current state of educational investment.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that Vanuatu is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. As a United Nations member state, Vanuatu participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 327,777 |
| 2030 | 357,070 |
| 2035 | 394,018 |
| 2040 | 431,221 |
| 2045 | 468,605 |
| 2050 | 506,136 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Vanuatu?
The population of Vanuatu is approximately 327,777 as of 2026, making it #182 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Vanuatu?
The capital of Vanuatu is Port Vila.
What languages are spoken in Vanuatu?
The main languages spoken in Vanuatu are Bislama, English, French.
How big is Vanuatu?
Vanuatu covers an area of 12,189 km² with a population density of 27 people per km².
Is Vanuatu growing or shrinking?
Vanuatu is growing at a rate of 2.27% per year, adding approximately 7,441 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in Vanuatu?
The average life expectancy in Vanuatu is 71.5 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Vanuatu?
The GDP per capita of Vanuatu is $3,411.