Today we head to the final Pacific island nation of our journey, and it’s an absolute gem of a country to write about. Vanuatu is a chain of 83 volcanic islands in the South Pacific between Fiji and New Caledonia.
Similarly, to neighbouring Fiji, Vanuatu has a history of practicing cannibalism, although in Vanuatu it was reportedly practiced as recently as 1969. At this point, Vanuatu was known as the New Hebrides and in a very unusual turn of events jointly administered by both France and Britain before finally gaining independence in 1980.
Vanuatu was recently recognised as the most dangerous country in the world in terms of risk of natural disaster. Vanuatu is subjected to frequent earthquakes, cyclones and volcanic eruptions. Not to mention being home to 3 or possibly 4 saltwater crocodiles. The crocodiles that live in Vanuatu’s mangroves most likely arrived on the islands from New Guinea after cyclones. They are exceptionally well-travelled crocs as New Guinea is around 3000km away.
Other things lurking in Vanuatu’s waters include the luxury liner SS President Coolidge. The SS President Coolidge sunk during World War II after being hit by a mine and now provides for impressive wreck diving. You also may also be lucky enough to see a Dugong or sea cow when you’re driving.
Now for Vanuatu’s contributions to world culture - Vanuatu has produced more than a hundred indigenous languages - all in a country a similar size to Montenegro. This must be some kind of record.
Vanuatu’s other claim to fame is that it invented bungee jumping, or “land diving” apparently to begin with without even using a bungee rope. This is definitely one of those hobbies where it’s best to be a late-adopter.
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