Where is Vanuatu Located?

Vanuatu is located in Oceania in the Southern Hemisphere.

This independent island nation lies in the South Pacific Ocean, about 1,750 km east of northern Australia and roughly 500 km northeast of New Caledonia. It stretches in a north-south chain of islands, situated approximately 15-20° south of the Equator.

The South Pacific Islands Near Vanuatu

Vanuatu is surrounded by other South Pacific islands and nations: New Caledonia lies closest at around 334 mi (538 km) to the southwest,

is about 740 mi (1,192 km) to the east, and the Solomon Islands sit roughly 799 mi (1,286 km) to the north.

Vanuatu covers a land area of approximately 4,706 mi² (12,189 km²).

It consists of around 83 islands, of which about 65 are inhabited. The largest and most populated islands are Espiritu Santo, Efate (which includes the capital Port Vila), and Malekula.

Learn more about the islands in our guide, The Best Islands & Provinces to Visit in Vanuatu LINK#TT022.

Note that Vanuatu is an independent nation, distinct from nearby island countries such as Fiji, New Caledonia, and the Solomon Islands.

Vanuatu is made up of around 83 islands, mostly volcanic, characterised by mountainous terrain, active volcanoes, lush rainforests and narrow coastal plains.

The largest island, Espiritu Santo, is home to some of the country’s major towns and features dramatic peaks, rivers, and bays, including the scenic Shark Bay area. To the south lies Efate, where the capital Port Vila is located, known for its sheltered harbours and surrounding volcanic hills.

Other notable islands include Malekula, Tanna, Ambrym and Pentecost, each famous for striking cliffs, traditional villages, and unique cultural practices.

The highest peak in Vanuatu is Mount Tabwemasana on Espiritu Santo, reaching 6,027 ft (1,836 m).

Several smaller islands and islets, including some coral atolls, complete the archipelago, many of which are uninhabited or serve as wildlife sanctuaries.

Here are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the location of Vanuatu.

Where is Vanuatu Located?

Vanuatu is located in the South Pacific Ocean, in the continent of Oceania. It lies east of Australia, northeast of New Caledonia, west of Fiji, and south of the Solomon Islands.

What Country Does Vanuatu Belong To?

Vanuatu is an independent island nation. It gained independence from France and the United Kingdom in 1980 and governs its own internal and international affairs.

What is the Physical Geography of Vanuatu?

Vanuatu consists of mostly volcanic islands with mountainous terrain, active volcanoes, narrow coastal plains, lush rainforests, and coral atolls. Its landscape is dramatic and rugged, with notable peaks such as Mount Tabwemasana on Espiritu Santo.

Where is Vanuatu in Relation to New Zealand?

Vanuatu is located about 1,750 km (1,088 mi) east of northern Australia and roughly 2,600 km (1,616 mi) northeast of New Zealand in the South Pacific Ocean.

Which Countries are Closest to Vanuatu?

The closest countries to Vanuatu are New Caledonia (approximately 538 km / 334 mi southwest), Solomon Islands (about 1,286 km / 799 mi north), and Fiji (around 1,192 km / 740 mi east).