Vanuatu, officially known as the Republic of Vanuatu, is an archipelago nation, spread across 82 islands in the south Pacific Ocean. Three hours flight time from Sydney. The country’s capital and largest city is Port Villa and its official languages are Bislama, French and English. The local currency is the Vanuatu Vatu (VAV). Vanuatu enjoys strong relationships with many powerful nations around the world, with close cultural and economic ties to Australia, New Zealand and much of the European Union. The country is also a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund and has been fully independent since 1980. Consistently rated as one of the “Happiest Countries on Earth”, Vanuatu’s location, people, pristine environment and natural beauty render this as truly one of the Planet’s last undiscovered “gems”.