Languages: three official languages: English, French, pidgin (known as
Bislama or Bichelama), plus more than 100 local languages
Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 53% male: 57% female: 48% (1979 est.)
Government Vanuatu
Country name: Republic of Vanuatu conventional short form: Government type: parliamentary republic
Capital: Port-Vila
Administrative divisions: 6 provinces; Malampa, Penama, Sanma, Shefa,
Tafea, Torba
Independence: 30 July 1980 (from France and UK)
National holiday: Independence Day, 30 July (1980)
Constitution: 30 July 1980
Legal system: unified system being created from former dual French and
British systems