Vanuatu

Introduction

The Republic of Vanuatu is a unitary state located in the south Pacific. It is an archipelago of some 80 islands, 65 of which are inhabited. Its total population is 211,971 and its land mass 12,190 sq km. It has two official languages, English and French.

There are six provinces – Malampa, Penama, Sanma, Shefa, Tafea and Torba. Local government comprises provincial councils and area councils.

Local government contribution to GDP was one per cent in 2003/2004.

Summary

Local government in Vanuatu comprises provincial and area committees. The decentralisation programme in Vanuatu is expected to introduce further reforms following the reporting of the Decentralisation Review Commission.

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