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Photo: Phillip Capper derivative work: Jjtkk · CC BY 2.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
Vanuatu places highest on Exclusive Breastfeeding Under Six Months (top 3% worldwide) and lowest on Livestock Production Index (bottom 2%).
Vanuatu in the Nations Inquiry Country Index
At a glance
Population
320,409
people
since 1950
Land area
12,189
km²
since 1961
GDP per person
3,867
international $, PPP
since 1990
Life expectancy
71.48
years at birth
since 1950
Human development
0.621
HDI, 0–1
since 2005
Unemployment
5.073
% of the labour force
since 1991
The newest published figure for each, the year it describes and who published it, with a line showing how it has moved.
01The country
About Vanuatu
Key facts about Vanuatu
- Capital
- Port Vila
- Official languages
- Bislama, English, French
- Currency
- Vanuatu vatus (VUV)
- ISO code
- VUT · VU
- Domain · dialling
- .vu · +678
As Wikidata records them. Official languages are the least consistent — some countries list only a national language, others every regional one. Sources and licences.
02Country Index 2026
Where it stands, topic by topic
Strongest first. Each position is Vanuatu’s place among the countries with a standing on that topic, built from a few key statistics chosen to measure different things.
17thof 177
From 2 of 4 key statistics
joint60thof 198
From 3 of 3 key statistics
88thof 182
From 4 of 4 key statistics
98thof 194
From 4 of 4 key statistics
89thof 171
From 4 of 4 key statistics
85thof 159
From 2 of 2 key statistics
102ndof 183
From 3 of 4 key statistics
109thof 175
From 4 of 4 key statistics
123rdof 196
From 3 of 3 key statistics
130thof 200
From 2 of 4 key statistics
138thof 198
From 3 of 3 key statistics
joint132ndof 176
From 2 of 4 key statistics
165thof 192
From 3 of 3 key statistics
No standing — Vanuatu holds too few of this subject’s key statistics to be placed on it.
No standing — Vanuatu holds too few of this subject’s key statistics to be placed on it.
No standing — Vanuatu holds too few of this subject’s key statistics to be placed on it.
Each standing is built from a few key statistics chosen to measure different things. Select a subject for Vanuatu’s readings on it, or see every statistic held for Vanuatu in the table further down this page.
03Highs and lows
Where Vanuatu stands out
The two ends of its own record: every statistic on which Vanuatu sits within ten places of the best or worst in the world, plus its strongest and weakest readings overall. Each is turned into a percentile — its place among every country measured — which is what lets a hunger score and a press-freedom rank be compared at all.
Where Vanuatu does best6
In the top third of all countries measured. 5 are within ten places of the best in the world, in a field of at least 50 countries — marked with that place.
- 1stDeaths in Organized Violencetop 35%
Position · derived 59th of 59 · 1 = worst · 0 · 2025
world median 0
- 5th
Position · derived 5th of 123 · 7.581 · 2023
world median 3.709 (better) · ▲ 26 pts since 2014
- 5th
Position · derived 5th of 136 · 75.94 · 2024
world median 40.74 (better)
- 6thGlobal Violent Deathstop 4%
Position · derived 201st of 206 · 1 = worst · 0.31 · 2021
world median 4.02 (better) · ▲ 29 pts since 2011
- 9th
Position · derived 9th of 179 · 39.69 · 2025
world median 19.16 (better)
Where Vanuatu struggles most8
In the bottom third of all countries measured. 8 are within ten places of the worst in the world, in a field of at least 50 countries — marked with that place.
- 2nd
Position · derived 49th of 50 · 43.94 · 2024
world median 65.82 (worse)
- 4thBusiness Ready: Regulatory Frameworkbottom 6%
Position · derived 47th of 50 · 50.48 · 2024
world median 66.8 (worse)
- 4thLivestock Production Indexbottom 2%
Position · derived 191st of 194 · 75.5 · 2022
world median 107.06 (worse) · ▼ 95 pts since 2012
- 4thUpper Secondary Attainmentbottom 3%
Position · derived 92nd of 95 · 12.24 · 2023
world median 65.76 (worse) · ▼ 11 pts since 2019
- 5thCost of Sending Remittancesbottom 4%
Position · derived 5th of 93 · 1 = worst · 9.492 · 2023
world median 3.225 (worse) · ▼ 34 pts since 2016
- 6th
- 9thBusiness Ready: Public Servicesbottom 16%
Position · derived 42nd of 50 · 32.06 · 2024
world median 50.13 (worse)
- 10thFood Production Indexbottom 5%
Position · derived 186th of 195 · 82.96 · 2022
world median 106.08 (worse) · ▼ 21 pts since 2012
A band is a place among the countries each publisher scores, so Vanuatu can move because other countries moved. See the Country Index for the full method.
04Over time
Which way it is moving
The published rank in widely quoted reports, edition by edition — each end with the size of that year’s field — and the statistics, not already named above, on which it has gained or lost the most ground.
Human Development Index
UNDP Human Development Report Office
137th
of 186 · 2005
146th
of 193 · 2023
Ranked in 19 of 34 editions
Corruption Perceptions Index
Transparency International
71st
of 180 · 2017
63rd
of 181 · 2025
Ranked in 9 of 14 editions
Gender Inequality Index
UNDP Human Development Report Office
112th
of 154 · 2010
147th
of 172 · 2023
Ranked in 14 of 34 editions
Government AI Readiness Index
Oxford Insights
151st
of 172 · 2020
132nd
of 195 · 2025
Ranked in 5 of 6 editions
Gaining ground
Where Vanuatu has climbed against the rest of the world, in percentile points.
- Military Dimension Index+42 pts since 2015
Losing ground
Where Vanuatu has slipped against the rest of the world, in percentile points.
- Internal Displacements by Disaster-33 pts since 2014
05In context
Vanuatu and its neighbours
A position reads best beside the countries around it. Every position below is a place in the world ranking of 178, not within the region.
Shares a land border with
Vanuatu has no land border with another country.
Placed either side in the Country Index 2026
Across Melanesia
Every country in the sub-region, by its position in the world (of 178 placed).
- 62
Fiji - 106
Vanuatu - =129
Solomon Islands - =138
Papua New Guinea - —
New Caledonianot placed
06The evidence
Every statistic we hold for Vanuatu
Grouped by topic. Each row gives the newest edition’s rank or position, the published value and the year the numbers describe — select a row for the world median, the best in the world and the trend.
Governance & Institutions30
Agriculture Orientation Index85th of 132position · derived0.23Agriculture orientation index (1.0 = spending matches sector size)2024
bottom 35% of 132 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Agriculture orientation index (1.0 = spending matches sector size)
Vanuatu 0.23 · world median 0.305 (worse)
Best in the world 5.38 (Singapore)
▲ +11 percentile points since 2014
Business Ready: Operational Efficiency49th of 50position · derived43.94Operational efficiency score (0–100)2024
bottom 2% of 50 countries measured
World Bank Group · Operational efficiency score (0–100)
Vanuatu 43.94 · world median 65.82 (worse)
Best in the world 87.33 (Singapore)
No earlier reading to compare
Business Ready: Public Services42nd of 50position · derived32.06Public services score (0–100)2024
bottom 16% of 50 countries measured
World Bank Group · Public services score (0–100)
Vanuatu 32.06 · world median 50.13 (worse)
Best in the world 73.31 (Estonia)
No earlier reading to compare
Business Ready: Regulatory Framework47th of 50position · derived50.48Regulatory framework score (0–100)2024
bottom 6% of 50 countries measured
World Bank Group · Regulatory framework score (0–100)
Vanuatu 50.48 · world median 66.8 (worse)
Best in the world 78.34 (Hungary)
No earlier reading to compare
Central Bank Independence Indexbottom 25%0.473CBI index (0–1, where 1 is the most statutory independence)2023
bottom 25% of 191 countries measured
Ana Carolina Garriga, University of Essex · CBI index (0–1, where 1 is the most statutory independence)
Vanuatu 0.473 · world median 0.608
Highest 0.974 (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2013
Civic Space Ratings68th of 198position · derived68.54Civic space score (0–100)2025
top 34% of 198 countries measured
CIVICUS · Civic space score (0–100)
Vanuatu 68.54 · world median 50.46 (better)
Best in the world 100 (Kiribati)
No earlier reading to compare
Climate Readiness (ND-GAIN)146th of 192rank0.301ND-GAIN Readiness (0–1, where 1 is the most ready)2024
bottom 24% of 192 countries measured
Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · ND-GAIN Readiness (0–1, where 1 is the most ready)
Vanuatu 0.301 · world median 0.387 (worse)
Best in the world 0.749 (Singapore)
▼ -26 percentile points since 2014
Completeness of Birth Registrationbottom 20%76.7Children under 5 whose birth is registered (%)2025
bottom 20% of 185 countries measured
UNICEF · Children under 5 whose birth is registered (%)
Vanuatu 76.7 · world median 98.4 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (53 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Control of Corruption105th of 211position · derived-0.182Control of Corruption (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
top 50% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Control of Corruption (−2.5 to 2.5)
Vanuatu -0.182 · world median -0.197 (better)
Best in the world 2.259 (Denmark)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2015
Corruption Perceptions Index63rd of 181rank47CPI score (0–100, where 100 is very clean)2025
top 35% of 182 countries measured · 182 share 181 positions
Transparency International · CPI score (0–100, where 100 is very clean)
Vanuatu 47 · world median 39 (better)
Best in the world 89 (Denmark)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2017
Country Policy and Institutional Assessment40th of 78position · derived3.242IDA Resource Allocation Index (1 = low to 6 = high)2025
bottom 49% of 78 countries measured
World Bank Group · IDA Resource Allocation Index (1 = low to 6 = high)
Vanuatu 3.242 · world median 3.246 (worse)
Best in the world 4.225 (Rwanda)
▼ -9 percentile points since 2015
Debt Service on External Debt93rd of 109position · derived · 1 = worst6.514Total debt service (% of exports of goods, services and primary income)2024
top 15% of 109 countries measured
World Bank Group · Total debt service (% of exports of goods, services and primary income)
Vanuatu 6.514 · world median 12.93 (better)
Best in the world 0.285 (Iran)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2014
External Debt Stocks (% of GNI)66th of 110position · derived · 1 = worst39.16External debt stocks (% of GNI)2024
top 40% of 110 countries measured
World Bank Group · External debt stocks (% of GNI)
Vanuatu 39.16 · world median 43.94 (better)
Best in the world 2.213 (Iran)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2014
Government AI Readiness Index132nd of 195rank28.55AI readiness score (0–100)2025
bottom 32% of 195 countries measured
Oxford Insights · AI readiness score (0–100)
Vanuatu 28.55 · world median 40.19 (worse)
Best in the world 88.36 (United States)
▲ +20 percentile points since 2020
Government Effectiveness163rd of 209position · derived-0.749Governance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong)2025
bottom 22% of 209 countries measured
World Bank Group · Governance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong)
Vanuatu -0.749 · world median 0.101 (worse)
Best in the world 2.092 (Singapore)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2015
Government Spending on Education5th of 123position · derived7.581Government expenditure on education (% of GDP)2023
top 3% of 123 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Government expenditure on education (% of GDP)
Vanuatu 7.581 · world median 3.709 (better)
Best in the world 16.39 (Kiribati)
▲ +26 percentile points since 2014
GovTech Maturity Index133rd of 196position · derived0.414GTMI score (0–1)2025
bottom 32% of 196 countries measured
World Bank Group · GTMI score (0–1)
Vanuatu 0.414 · world median 0.63 (worse)
Best in the world 0.997 (South Korea)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2022
Judicial Constraints on the Executive Index29th of 175position · derived0.911Judicial constraints on the executive index (0–1)2025
top 16% of 176 countries measured · 176 share 175 positions
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Judicial constraints on the executive index (0–1)
Vanuatu 0.911 · world median 0.676 (better)
Best in the world 0.988 (Australia)
No real change since 2015
Liberal Democracy Index42nd of 176position · derived0.623Liberal democracy index (0–1)2025
top 23% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Liberal democracy index (0–1)
Vanuatu 0.623 · world median 0.353 (better)
Best in the world 0.884 (Denmark)
No real change since 2015
Open Data Inventory143rd of 168rank39ODIN overall score (0–100)2024
bottom 15% of 168 countries measured
Open Data Watch · ODIN overall score (0–100)
Vanuatu 39 · world median 59 (worse)
Best in the world 90 (2 countries tied)
No real change since 2015
Political Corruption Index111th of 176position · derived · 1 = worst0.332Political corruption index (0–1; higher = more corrupt)2025
top 37% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Political corruption index (0–1; higher = more corrupt)
Vanuatu 0.332 · world median 0.518 (better)
Best in the world 0.004 (Denmark)
No real change since 2015
Public Sector Wage Bill7th of 168position · derived16.6Public sector wage bill (% of GDP)2022
top 4% of 168 countries measured
World Bank Group · Public sector wage bill (% of GDP)
Vanuatu 16.6 · world median 7.975
Highest 42.65 (Nauru)
▲ +11 percentile points since 2012
Regulatory Quality125th of 209position · derived-0.34Regulatory Quality (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
bottom 40% of 209 countries measured
World Bank Group · Regulatory Quality (−2.5 to 2.5)
Vanuatu -0.34 · world median -0.093 (worse)
Best in the world 2.113 (Singapore)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2015
Rule of Law74th of 211position · derived0.529Rule of Law estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
top 35% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Rule of Law estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
Vanuatu 0.529 · world median -0.102 (better)
Best in the world 2.012 (Finland)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2015
Statistical Performance Indicators154th of 188position · derived53.45SPI overall score (0–100)2024
bottom 18% of 188 countries measured
World Bank Group · SPI overall score (0–100)
Vanuatu 53.45 · world median 69.3 (worse)
Best in the world 94.14 (Norway)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2016
V-Dem Electoral Democracy Index49th of 176position · derived0.729Electoral democracy index (0–1)2025
top 27% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Electoral democracy index (0–1)
Vanuatu 0.729 · world median 0.497 (better)
Best in the world 0.913 (Denmark)
No real change since 2015
Voice and Accountability67th of 206position · derived0.547Voice and Accountability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
top 32% of 206 countries measured
World Bank Group · Voice and Accountability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
Vanuatu 0.547 · world median -0.022 (better)
Best in the world 1.825 (Norway)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2015
Women, Business and the Law171st of 190position · derived55.63WBL Index (0–100, where 100 is full legal parity)2024
bottom 10% of 190 countries measured
World Bank Group · WBL Index (0–100, where 100 is full legal parity)
Vanuatu 55.63 · world median 81.25 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (14 countries tied)
▼ -10 percentile points since 2014
Economy & Innovation11
Crop Production Index177th of 195position · derived84.55Crop production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
bottom 9% of 195 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Crop production index (2014–2016 = 100)
Vanuatu 84.55 · world median 106.23 (worse)
Best in the world 189.93 (Senegal)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2012
Digitally-Deliverable Services Exports122nd of 170position · derived12.77Digitally-deliverable services exports (% of services exports)2024
bottom 28% of 170 countries measured
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · Digitally-deliverable services exports (% of services exports)
Vanuatu 12.77 · world median 25.42 (worse)
Best in the world 87.15 (Ireland)
▲ +18 percentile points since 2014
Firms with a Bank Loan or Line of Credit113th of 179position · derived27.15Firms with a bank loan or line of credit (%)2025
bottom 37% of 179 countries measured
World Bank Group · Firms with a bank loan or line of credit (%)
Vanuatu 27.15 · world median 35.95 (worse)
Best in the world 88.52 (Israel)
No earlier reading to compare
Food Production Index186th of 195position · derived82.96Food production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
bottom 5% of 195 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Food production index (2014–2016 = 100)
Vanuatu 82.96 · world median 106.08 (worse)
Best in the world 177.49 (Senegal)
▼ -21 percentile points since 2012
Foreign Direct Investment Inflowstop 35%2.999FDI inflows (% of GDP)2025
top 35% of 202 countries measured
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · FDI inflows (% of GDP)
Vanuatu 2.999 · world median 1.968
Highest 2,221 (British Virgin Islands)
No real change since 2015
GDP Growth102nd of 186position · derived3.054GDP growth (annual %)2025
bottom 45% of 186 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP growth (annual %)
Vanuatu 3.054 · world median 3.396 (worse)
Best in the world 19.34 (Guyana)
▼ -14 percentile points since 2015
GDP per Capita (PPP)158th of 185position · derived3,867GDP per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)2025
bottom 15% of 185 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)
Vanuatu 3,867 · world median 17,265 (worse)
Best in the world 139,593 (Singapore)
No real change since 2015
Liner Shipping Connectivity Index132nd of 175rank24.49LSCI (index, average Q1 2023 = 100)2026
bottom 23% of 167 countries measured · 167 share 175 positions
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · LSCI (index, average Q1 2023 = 100)
Vanuatu 24.49 · world median 56.21 (worse)
Best in the world 1,319 (China)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2016
Livestock Production Index191st of 194position · derived75.5Livestock production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
bottom 2% of 194 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Livestock production index (2014–2016 = 100)
Vanuatu 75.5 · world median 107.06 (worse)
Best in the world 190.08 (Malawi)
▼ -95 percentile points since 2012
Tariff Rate, Applied, Weighted Mean, All Productstop 15%11.48Applied tariff rate, trade-weighted mean (%)2022
top 15% of 143 countries measured
World Bank Group · Applied tariff rate, trade-weighted mean (%)
Vanuatu 11.48 · world median 3.66
Highest 29.52 (Bermuda)
▲ +29 percentile points since 2012
Total Natural Resources Rents (% of GDP)124th of 180position · derived0.568Natural resources rents (% of GDP)2021
bottom 37% of 197 countries measured · 197 share 180 positions
World Bank Group · Natural resources rents (% of GDP)
Vanuatu 0.568 · world median 1.708
Highest 61.03 (Libya)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2011
Work & Labour16
Average Weekly Hours Worked179th of 182position · derived28.32Average weekly hours actually worked per employed person2025
bottom 2% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Average weekly hours actually worked per employed person
Vanuatu 28.32 · world median 38.89
Highest 54.7 (Bhutan)
No real change since 2015
Employment in Agriculture30th of 182position · derived44.53Employment in agriculture (% of total employment)2025
top 16% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in agriculture (% of total employment)
Vanuatu 44.53 · world median 14.38
Highest 85.34 (Burundi)
No real change since 2015
Employment in Industry160th of 182position · derived10.05Employment in industry (% of total employment)2025
bottom 12% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in industry (% of total employment)
Vanuatu 10.05 · world median 18.88
Highest 39.44 (Oman)
No real change since 2015
Employment in Services141st of 182position · derived45.43Employment in services (% of total employment)2025
bottom 23% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in services (% of total employment)
Vanuatu 45.43 · world median 59.51
Highest 92.17 (Djibouti)
No real change since 2015
Employment-to-Population Ratio112th of 182position · derived55.16Employed share of the population aged 15+ (%)2025
bottom 39% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employed share of the population aged 15+ (%)
Vanuatu 55.16 · world median 57.72 (worse)
Best in the world 86.9 (Qatar)
▼ -17 percentile points since 2015
Female Labour Force Participation Rate92nd of 182position · derived53.31Women aged 15+ in the labour force (%)2025
bottom 50% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Women aged 15+ in the labour force (%)
Vanuatu 53.31 · world median 53.36 (worse)
Best in the world 82.91 (Madagascar)
▼ -14 percentile points since 2015
Firms with a Female Top Manager9th of 179position · derived39.69Firms with a female top manager (%)2025
top 4% of 179 countries measured
World Bank Group · Firms with a female top manager (%)
Vanuatu 39.69 · world median 19.16 (better)
Best in the world 62.9 (Kiribati)
No earlier reading to compare
GDP per Person Employed142nd of 168position · derived11,300GDP per person employed (constant 2021 international $)2025
bottom 16% of 168 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP per person employed (constant 2021 international $)
Vanuatu 11,300 · world median 47,384 (worse)
Best in the world 262,554 (Luxembourg)
No real change since 2015
Informal Employment Rate37th of 97position · derived · 1 = worst57.74Informal employment (% of total employment)2025
bottom 38% of 97 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Informal employment (% of total employment)
Vanuatu 57.74 · world median 36.83 (worse)
Best in the world 0.857 (Hungary)
No earlier reading to compare
Labour Force Participation Rate117th of 182position · derived58.11Population aged 15+ in the labour force (%)2025
bottom 36% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Population aged 15+ in the labour force (%)
Vanuatu 58.11 · world median 61.66 (worse)
Best in the world 87.01 (Qatar)
▼ -13 percentile points since 2015
Labour Productivity per Hour Worked147th of 182position · derived6.26Output per hour worked (constant 2021 international $ at PPP)2025
bottom 19% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Output per hour worked (constant 2021 international $ at PPP)
Vanuatu 6.26 · world median 22.16 (worse)
Best in the world 164.65 (Ireland)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2015
Self-Employment Rate45th of 182position · derived60.62Self-employed (% of total employment)2025
top 24% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Self-employed (% of total employment)
Vanuatu 60.62 · world median 31.84
Highest 91.56 (Chad)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2015
Unemployment Rate93rd of 182position · derived · 1 = worst5.073Unemployment (% of labour force)2025
top 49% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Unemployment (% of labour force)
Vanuatu 5.073 · world median 5.084 (better)
Best in the world 0.13 (Qatar)
▼ -9 percentile points since 2015
Vulnerable Employment43rd of 182position · derived · 1 = worst57.99Vulnerable employment (% of total employment)2025
bottom 23% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Vulnerable employment (% of total employment)
Vanuatu 57.99 · world median 28.67 (worse)
Best in the world 0.456 (Qatar)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2015
Youth Unemployment Rate100th of 182position · derived · 1 = worst11.34Unemployment, ages 15-24 (% of youth labour force)2025
top 45% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Unemployment, ages 15-24 (% of youth labour force)
Vanuatu 11.34 · world median 12.83 (better)
Best in the world 0.457 (Niger)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2015
Education & Knowledge12
Academic Freedom Index16th of 176position · derived0.909Academic freedom index (0–1)2025
top 9% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Academic freedom index (0–1)
Vanuatu 0.909 · world median 0.619 (better)
Best in the world 0.978 (Czechia)
▲ +18 percentile points since 2015
Adult Literacy Rate109th of 172position · derived87.96Adults 15+ who can read and write (%)2024
bottom 37% of 172 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Adults 15+ who can read and write (%)
Vanuatu 87.96 · world median 93.99 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (3 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Expected Years of Schooling140th of 195position · derived11.81Expected years of schooling2023
bottom 28% of 195 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Expected years of schooling
Vanuatu 11.81 · world median 13.34 (worse)
Best in the world 21.69 (Monaco)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2013
Harmonized Test Scores154th of 172position · derived347.69Harmonized test score (TIMSS-equivalent points; 300 = minimum, 625 = advanced attainment)2020
bottom 11% of 172 countries measured
World Bank Group · Harmonized test score (TIMSS-equivalent points; 300 = minimum, 625 = advanced attainment)
Vanuatu 347.69 · world median 414.32 (worse)
Best in the world 575.27 (Singapore)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2017
Learning-Adjusted Years of School135th of 172position · derived5.624Learning-adjusted years of school (0–14)2020
bottom 22% of 172 countries measured
World Bank Group · Learning-adjusted years of school (0–14)
Vanuatu 5.624 · world median 7.941 (worse)
Best in the world 12.81 (Singapore)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2017
Mean Years of Schooling141st of 193position · derived7.183Mean years of schooling (adults 25+)2023
bottom 27% of 193 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Mean years of schooling (adults 25+)
Vanuatu 7.183 · world median 9.933 (worse)
Best in the world 14.3 (Germany)
No real change since 2013
Out-of-School Rate, Primary75th of 121position · derived · 1 = worst2.531Out-of-school rate, primary age (%)2024
top 38% of 121 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Out-of-school rate, primary age (%)
Vanuatu 2.531 · world median 3.691 (better)
Best in the world 0.004 (United Arab Emirates)
▼ -32 percentile points since 2015
Pre-Primary Net Enrolment Rate69th of 120position · derived60.53Net enrolment rate, pre-primary (%)2024
bottom 43% of 120 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Net enrolment rate, pre-primary (%)
Vanuatu 60.53 · world median 65.93 (worse)
Best in the world 99.85 (Moldova)
▼ -15 percentile points since 2019
Primary Completion Rate125th of 165position · derived79.77Primary completion rate (%)2025
bottom 24% of 165 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Primary completion rate (%)
Vanuatu 79.77 · world median 97.43 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (5 countries tied)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2015
Upper Secondary Attainment92nd of 95position · derived12.24Adults 25+ who completed upper secondary or higher (%)2023
bottom 3% of 95 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Adults 25+ who completed upper secondary or higher (%)
Vanuatu 12.24 · world median 65.76 (worse)
Best in the world 97.89 (Belarus)
▼ -11 percentile points since 2019
Upper Secondary Completion Rate153rd of 164position · derived11.32Upper secondary completion rate (%)2025
bottom 7% of 164 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Upper secondary completion rate (%)
Vanuatu 11.32 · world median 64.87 (worse)
Best in the world 99.27 (South Korea)
No real change since 2015
Youth Literacy Ratebottom 35%93.9315–24 year-olds who can read and write (%)2024
bottom 35% of 174 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · 15–24 year-olds who can read and write (%)
Vanuatu 93.93 · world median 98.22 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (6 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Health & Wellbeing17
Children with Functional Difficultiesbottom 38%10.6Children aged 5-17 with a functional difficulty (%)2024
bottom 38% of 62 countries measured
UNICEF · Children aged 5-17 with a functional difficulty (%)
Vanuatu 10.6 · world median 13
Highest 35.2 (Afghanistan)
No earlier reading to compare
Dietary Energy Supply78th of 155position · derived2,982Dietary energy supply (kcal per person per day)2024
top 50% of 155 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Dietary energy supply (kcal per person per day)
Vanuatu 2,982 · world median 2,982
Best in the world 3,962 (United States)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2014
Exclusive Breastfeeding Under Six Months5th of 136position · derived75.94Infants under 6 months exclusively breastfed (%)2024
top 3% of 136 countries measured
UNICEF · Infants under 6 months exclusively breastfed (%)
Vanuatu 75.94 · world median 40.74 (better)
Best in the world 83.3 (Burundi)
No earlier reading to compare
Gender Inequality Index147th of 172rank0.556GII (0 = full equality, 1 = maximum inequality)2023
bottom 15% of 172 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · GII (0 = full equality, 1 = maximum inequality)
Vanuatu 0.556 · world median 0.351 (worse)
Best in the world 0.003 (Denmark)
▲ +15 percentile points since 2013
Global Multidimensional Poverty Index39th of 109position · derived · 1 = worst0.117MPI (0–1)2025
bottom 35% of 109 countries measured
Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) · MPI (0–1)
Vanuatu 0.117 · world median 0.039 (worse)
Best in the world 0 (Serbia)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2018
Global Violent Deaths201st of 206position · derived · 1 = worst0.31Violent deaths per 100,000 people2021
top 4% of 209 countries measured · 209 share 206 positions
Small Arms Survey · Violent deaths per 100,000 people
Vanuatu 0.31 · world median 4.02 (better)
Best in the world 0 (4 countries tied)
▲ +29 percentile points since 2011
Human Capital Index125th of 172position · derived0.455HCI score (0–1)2020
bottom 27% of 172 countries measured
World Bank Group · HCI score (0–1)
Vanuatu 0.455 · world median 0.564 (worse)
Best in the world 0.879 (Singapore)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2017
Human Development Index146th of 193rank0.621HDI score (0–1)2023
bottom 24% of 193 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · HDI score (0–1)
Vanuatu 0.621 · world median 0.762 (worse)
Best in the world 0.972 (Iceland)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2013
Infant Mortality Rate90th of 200position · derived · 1 = worst14.43Deaths before age one (per 1,000 live births)2024
bottom 45% of 200 countries measured
UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) · Deaths before age one (per 1,000 live births)
Vanuatu 14.43 · world median 12.26 (worse)
Best in the world 1.214 (San Marino)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2014
Life Expectancy at Age 65161st of 222position · derived14.43Further years a 65-year-old would live at current death rates2023
bottom 28% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Further years a 65-year-old would live at current death rates
Vanuatu 14.43 · world median 16.39 (worse)
Best in the world 23.21 (Monaco)
No real change since 2013
Life Expectancy at Birth146th of 222position · derived71.48Years a newborn would live at current death rates2023
bottom 34% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Years a newborn would live at current death rates
Vanuatu 71.48 · world median 74.63 (worse)
Best in the world 86.37 (Monaco)
No real change since 2013
Maternal Mortality Ratio66th of 195position · derived · 1 = worst100.05Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births2023
bottom 34% of 195 countries measured
UN Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-Agency Group (MMEIG) · Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births
Vanuatu 100.05 · world median 46.65 (worse)
Best in the world 0.11 (Cook Islands)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2013
Pesticide Use per Hectare164th of 178position · derived0.13Pesticide use (kg per hectare of cropland)2024
bottom 9% of 181 countries measured · 181 share 178 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Pesticide use (kg per hectare of cropland)
Vanuatu 0.13 · world median 1.73
Highest 37.72 (Antigua and Barbuda)
No real change since 2014
Prevalence of Undernourishment65th of 104position · derived · 1 = worst7.2Population undernourished (%)2023
bottom 39% of 165 countries measured · 165 share 104 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Population undernourished (%)
Vanuatu 7.2 · world median 5.2 (worse)
Best in the world 2.5 (62 countries tied)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2013
Stunting Prevalence in Children Under Five33rd of 162position · derived · 1 = worst28.9Children under 5 who are stunted (%)2024
bottom 20% of 162 countries measured
UNICEF, WHO and World Bank Group (Joint Malnutrition Estimates) · Children under 5 who are stunted (%)
Vanuatu 28.9 · world median 13.8 (worse)
Best in the world 0.518 (Latvia)
No earlier reading to compare
Under-Five Mortality Rate88th of 200position · derived · 1 = worst17.14Deaths before age five (per 1,000 live births)2024
bottom 44% of 200 countries measured
UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) · Deaths before age five (per 1,000 live births)
Vanuatu 17.14 · world median 14.54 (worse)
Best in the world 1.26 (San Marino)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2014
Violent Discipline of Children12th of 90position · derived · 1 = worst88.7Children aged 1-14 experiencing violent discipline (%)2025
bottom 12% of 90 countries measured
UNICEF · Children aged 1-14 experiencing violent discipline (%)
Vanuatu 88.7 · world median 75.8 (worse)
Best in the world 37.6 (Qatar)
No earlier reading to compare
Development & Human Capital7
Access to Electricitybottom 16%65.5Population with electricity access (%)2024
bottom 16% of 215 countries measured
World Bank Group · Population with electricity access (%)
Vanuatu 65.5 · world median 100 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (122 countries tied)
No real change since 2014
Cereal Yield174th of 179position · derived632.4Cereal yield (kg per hectare)2023
bottom 3% of 179 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Cereal yield (kg per hectare)
Vanuatu 632.4 · world median 3,072 (worse)
Best in the world 29,147 (Oman)
No real change since 2013
Child Marriage63rd of 143position · derived · 1 = worst20.9Women 20–24 married before 18 (%)2025
bottom 43% of 145 countries measured · 145 share 143 positions
UNICEF · Women 20–24 married before 18 (%)
Vanuatu 20.9 · world median 17.1 (worse)
Best in the world 0 (3 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Coefficient of Human Inequality95th of 169position · derived · 1 = worst16.04Coefficient of Human Inequality (%)2023
top 44% of 169 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Coefficient of Human Inequality (%)
Vanuatu 16.04 · world median 17.05 (better)
Best in the world 4.865 (Slovenia)
No real change since 2013
Gender Development Index118th of 184position · derived0.952Gender Development Index (1.000 = parity)2023
bottom 36% of 184 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Gender Development Index (1.000 = parity)
Vanuatu 0.952 · world median 0.971 (worse)
Best in the world 1 (2 countries tied)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2013
Inequality-adjusted Human Development Index108th of 169position · derived0.521IHDI (0–1)2023
bottom 36% of 169 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · IHDI (0–1)
Vanuatu 0.521 · world median 0.609 (worse)
Best in the world 0.923 (Iceland)
No real change since 2013
Net Official Development Assistance Received18th of 130position · derived11.58Net ODA received (% of GNI)2023
top 13% of 130 countries measured
OECD Development Assistance Committee · Net ODA received (% of GNI)
Vanuatu 11.58 · world median 2.579
Highest 101.78 (Tuvalu)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2013
Environment & Sustainability15
Agricultural Emissions162nd of 193position · derived276.73Farm-gate emissions (kt CO₂eq)2023
bottom 18% of 198 countries measured · 198 share 193 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Farm-gate emissions (kt CO₂eq)
Vanuatu 276.73 · world median 8,635
Highest 1,044,508 (India)
No real change since 2013
Agricultural Land165th of 209position · derived15.34Agricultural land (% of land area)2023
bottom 21% of 209 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Agricultural land (% of land area)
Vanuatu 15.34 · world median 37.96
Highest 86.48 (Côte d’Ivoire)
No real change since 2013
Arable Land per Person140th of 206position · derived0.062Arable land (hectares per person)2023
bottom 32% of 206 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Arable land (hectares per person)
Vanuatu 0.062 · world median 0.109
Highest 1.459 (Kazakhstan)
No real change since 2013
Climate Vulnerability (ND-GAIN)163rd of 190rank0.547ND-GAIN Vulnerability (0–1, where 1 is the most vulnerable)2024
bottom 14% of 190 countries measured
Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · ND-GAIN Vulnerability (0–1, where 1 is the most vulnerable)
Vanuatu 0.547 · world median 0.45 (worse)
Best in the world 0.263 (Norway)
No real change since 2014
CO₂ Emissions per Capita171st of 210position · derived · 1 = worst0.601Fossil CO₂ (tonnes per person)2024
top 19% of 210 countries measured
Global Carbon Project · Fossil CO₂ (tonnes per person)
Vanuatu 0.601 · world median 3.21 (better)
Best in the world 0.054 (DR Congo)
No real change since 2014
Energy Intensity of GDP (PPP)bottom 12%5.786Energy use per dollar of GDP (thousand Btu per US$ at PPP)2024
bottom 12% of 192 countries measured
U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) · Energy use per dollar of GDP (thousand Btu per US$ at PPP)
Vanuatu 5.786 · world median 2.738 (worse)
Best in the world 0.666 (Chad)
▼ -23 percentile points since 2014
Fertilizer Consumption per Hectare100th of 188position · derived77.35Fertilizer consumption (kg per hectare of arable land)2023
bottom 48% of 191 countries measured · 191 share 188 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Fertilizer consumption (kg per hectare of arable land)
Vanuatu 77.35 · world median 87.36
Highest 2,926 (Malaysia)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2013
Forest Area83rd of 210position · derived36.28Forest area (% of land area)2023
top 39% of 213 countries measured · 213 share 210 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Forest area (% of land area)
Vanuatu 36.28 · world median 31.08
Highest 94.45 (Suriname)
No real change since 2013
Internal Displacements by Disaster89th of 160position · derived · 1 = worst3,100New displacements by disaster (people)2024
top 44% of 160 countries measured
Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) · New displacements by disaster (people)
Vanuatu 3,100 · world median 4,750 (better)
Best in the world 1 (Serbia)
▼ -33 percentile points since 2014
Land Under Cereal Production161st of 179position · derived1,555Land under cereal production (hectares)2023
bottom 11% of 180 countries measured · 180 share 179 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Land under cereal production (hectares)
Vanuatu 1,555 · world median 689,278
Highest 103,715,108 (India)
No real change since 2013
Livestock Density115th of 188position · derived0.41Livestock units per hectare of agricultural land2023
bottom 39% of 188 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Livestock units per hectare of agricultural land
Vanuatu 0.41 · world median 0.535
Highest 43.97 (Singapore)
▼ -26 percentile points since 2013
ND-GAIN Country Index155th of 190rank37.7ND-GAIN Index (0–100, where 100 is best placed to adapt)2024
bottom 18% of 190 countries measured
Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · ND-GAIN Index (0–100, where 100 is best placed to adapt)
Vanuatu 37.7 · world median 47.44 (worse)
Best in the world 71.85 (Norway)
▼ -14 percentile points since 2014
Organic Agricultural Area42nd of 150position · derived3.98Organic share of agricultural land (%)2024
top 26% of 156 countries measured · 156 share 150 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Organic share of agricultural land (%)
Vanuatu 3.98 · world median 0.725 (better)
Best in the world 86.38 (Samoa)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2014
Renewable Internal Freshwater Resources per Capita17th of 181position · derived31,944Renewable internal freshwater (cubic metres per person)2022
top 9% of 181 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Renewable internal freshwater (cubic metres per person)
Vanuatu 31,944 · world median 2,528 (better)
Best in the world 445,023 (Iceland)
No real change since 2012
World Risk Index44th of 193position · derived · 1 = worst11.67WorldRiskIndex score (0–100, where 100 is the most at risk)2025
bottom 22% of 193 countries measured
Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV), Ruhr University Bochum · WorldRiskIndex score (0–100, where 100 is the most at risk)
Vanuatu 11.67 · world median 4.17 (worse)
Best in the world 0.18 (Monaco)
No real change since 2015
Gender & Equality2
Sex Ratio at Birthtop 12%107Male births per 100 female births2023
top 12% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Male births per 100 female births
Vanuatu 107 · world median 105.1
Highest 116.3 (Liechtenstein)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2013
Women's Political Empowerment Index105th of 176position · derived0.715Women's political empowerment index (0–1)2025
bottom 41% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Women's political empowerment index (0–1)
Vanuatu 0.715 · world median 0.772 (worse)
Best in the world 0.954 (Denmark)
▲ +11 percentile points since 2015
Democracy & Civil Liberties8
Deliberative Democracy Index62nd of 176position · derived0.467Deliberative democracy index (0–1)2025
top 35% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Deliberative democracy index (0–1)
Vanuatu 0.467 · world median 0.339 (better)
Best in the world 0.867 (Denmark)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2015
Egalitarian Democracy Index44th of 176position · derived0.565Egalitarian democracy index (0–1)2025
top 25% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Egalitarian democracy index (0–1)
Vanuatu 0.565 · world median 0.321 (better)
Best in the world 0.876 (Denmark)
No real change since 2015
Freedom of Expression and Alternative Sources of Information Index42nd of 176position · derived0.848Freedom of expression index (0–1)2025
top 23% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Freedom of expression index (0–1)
Vanuatu 0.848 · world median 0.693 (better)
Best in the world 0.98 (Denmark)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2015
Government Censorship of the Media16th of 176position · derived2.451Original latent estimate (≈ −3 to +3.5); higher = less censorship2025
top 9% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Original latent estimate (≈ −3 to +3.5); higher = less censorship
Vanuatu 2.451 · world median 0.565 (better)
Best in the world 3.489 (Belgium)
▲ +9 percentile points since 2015
Government Internet Shutdowns14th of 176position · derived1.887Original latent estimate (≈ −4 to +2); higher = fewer shutdowns2025
top 7% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Original latent estimate (≈ −4 to +2); higher = fewer shutdowns
Vanuatu 1.887 · world median 1.023 (better)
Best in the world 2.081 (Spain)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2015
Military Dimension Indextop 21%0Military dimension index (0–1; higher = larger military role)2025
top 21% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Military dimension index (0–1; higher = larger military role)
Vanuatu 0 · world median 0.1 (better)
Best in the world 0 (76 countries tied)
▲ +42 percentile points since 2015
Participatory Democracy Index80th of 176position · derived0.323Participatory democracy index (0–1)2025
top 45% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Participatory democracy index (0–1)
Vanuatu 0.323 · world median 0.298 (better)
Best in the world 0.785 (Switzerland)
▼ -15 percentile points since 2015
Physical Violence Index48th of 176position · derived0.926Freedom from political killings and torture (0–1)2025
top 27% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Freedom from political killings and torture (0–1)
Vanuatu 0.926 · world median 0.79 (better)
Best in the world 0.989 (2 countries tied)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2015
Peace & Security4
Deaths in Organized Violence59th of 59position · derived · 1 = worst0Deaths in organized violence (people)2025
top 35% of 196 countries measured · 196 share 59 positions
Uppsala Conflict Data Program (UCDP) · Deaths in organized violence (people)
Vanuatu 0 · world median 0
Best in the world 0 (138 countries tied)
No real change since 2015
INFORM Risk Index72nd of 191position · derived · 1 = worst4.5INFORM Risk score (0–10, where 10 is the highest risk)2025
bottom 38% of 191 countries measured
European Commission Joint Research Centre, with the Inter-Agency Standing Committee · INFORM Risk score (0–10, where 10 is the highest risk)
Vanuatu 4.5 · world median 3.7 (worse)
Best in the world 0.7 (Singapore)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2016
Political Stability and Absence of Violence50th of 211position · derived0.952Political Stability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
top 23% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Political Stability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
Vanuatu 0.952 · world median 0.171 (better)
Best in the world 1.563 (Andorra)
▲ +9 percentile points since 2015
Refugees by Country of Originbottom 11%13Refugees under UNHCR's mandate from this country, end of year (people)2025
bottom 11% of 202 countries measured
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · Refugees under UNHCR's mandate from this country, end of year (people)
Vanuatu 13 · world median 1,272
Highest 5,224,131 (Ukraine)
▲ +9 percentile points since 2017
Risk & Resilience2
Asylum-Seekers by Country of Asylumbottom 13%7Asylum-seekers awaiting a decision, end of year (people)2025
bottom 13% of 177 countries measured
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · Asylum-seekers awaiting a decision, end of year (people)
Vanuatu 7 · world median 1,836
Highest 3,718,945 (United States)
No real change since 2021
Refugee Population by Country of Asylumbottom 3%0Refugees under UNHCR's mandate hosted, end of year (people)2025
bottom 3% of 177 countries measured
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · Refugees under UNHCR's mandate hosted, end of year (people)
Vanuatu 0 · world median 12,269
Highest 2,655,191 (Germany)
No real change since 2021
Mobility & Trade3
Cereal Import Dependency Ratiotop 13%98.2Share of the cereal supply that is imported (%)2022
top 13% of 161 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Share of the cereal supply that is imported (%)
Vanuatu 98.2 · world median 42.8
Highest 100 (16 countries tied)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2012
Cost of Sending Remittances5th of 93position · derived · 1 = worst9.492Average cost of sending $200 home (% of the amount)2023
bottom 4% of 93 countries measured
World Bank Group · Average cost of sending $200 home (% of the amount)
Vanuatu 9.492 · world median 3.225 (worse)
Best in the world -49.69 (Malawi)
▼ -34 percentile points since 2016
Net Migration Ratetop 44%0Net migrants per 1,000 population2023
top 44% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Net migrants per 1,000 population
Vanuatu 0 · world median -0.133
Highest 39.62 (South Sudan)
▲ +36 percentile points since 2013
Poverty & Inequality1
Poverty Headcount at National Poverty Linesbottom 27%15.9Population below the national poverty line (%)2025
bottom 27% of 160 countries measured
World Bank Group · Population below the national poverty line (%)
Vanuatu 15.9 · world median 21.8
Highest 82.3 (South Sudan)
No earlier reading to compare
Money & Public Finance1
Short-Term Share of External Debtbottom 16%22.1Short-term debt (% of total external debt)2024
bottom 16% of 118 countries measured
World Bank Group · Short-term debt (% of total external debt)
Vanuatu 22.1 · world median 9.376 (worse)
Best in the world 0 (5 countries tied)
▲ +13 percentile points since 2014
Energy3
Primary Energy Consumption per Capitabottom 28%14.07Energy use per person (million Btu)2024
bottom 28% of 192 countries measured
U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) · Energy use per person (million Btu)
Vanuatu 14.07 · world median 49.5
Highest 766.07 (Qatar)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2014
RISE Energy Efficiency Policy Scorebottom 22%22.38Energy efficiency policy score (0–100)2023
bottom 22% of 140 countries measured
World Bank Group (ESMAP) · Energy efficiency policy score (0–100)
Vanuatu 22.38 · world median 48.23 (worse)
Best in the world 95.93 (South Korea)
▼ -10 percentile points since 2013
RISE Renewable Energy Policy Scorebottom 5%8.333Renewable energy policy score (0–100)2023
bottom 5% of 140 countries measured
World Bank Group (ESMAP) · Renewable energy policy score (0–100)
Vanuatu 8.333 · world median 33.26 (worse)
Best in the world 89.52 (Denmark)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2013
People & Population10
Crude Birth Ratetop 18%28.05Births per 1,000 population2023
top 18% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Births per 1,000 population
Vanuatu 28.05 · world median 13.79
Highest 46.36 (Central African Republic)
No real change since 2013
Crude Death Ratebottom 12%5.083Deaths per 1,000 population2023
bottom 12% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Deaths per 1,000 population
Vanuatu 5.083 · world median 7.303
Highest 25.58 (Vatican City)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2013
Median Age of the Populationbottom 18%20.14Median age (years)2023
bottom 18% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Median age (years)
Vanuatu 20.14 · world median 31.52
Highest 59.63 (Vatican City)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2013
Population Aged 65 and Overbottom 27%4.218Share of the total population aged 65 and over (%)2023
bottom 27% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Share of the total population aged 65 and over (%)
Vanuatu 4.218 · world median 8.32
Highest 44.7 (Vatican City)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2013
Population Densitybottom 18%26.28People per square kilometre of land2023
bottom 18% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · People per square kilometre of land
Vanuatu 26.28 · world median 96.92
Highest 26,145 (Monaco)
No real change since 2013
Population Growth Ratetop 16%2.295Population growth (% per year)2023
top 16% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Population growth (% per year)
Vanuatu 2.295 · world median 0.888
Highest 5.862 (South Sudan)
▲ +10 percentile points since 2013
Population Under Age 15top 16%38.61Share of the total population aged 0–14 (%)2023
top 16% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Share of the total population aged 0–14 (%)
Vanuatu 38.61 · world median 22.71
Highest 49.17 (Central African Republic)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2013
Sex Ratio of the Total Populationtop 19%102.01Males per 100 females2023
top 19% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Males per 100 females
Vanuatu 102.01 · world median 98.48
Highest 251.08 (Qatar)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2013
Total Dependency Ratiotop 14%74.92People aged 0–14 and 65+ per 100 people aged 15–642023
top 14% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · People aged 0–14 and 65+ per 100 people aged 15–64
Vanuatu 74.92 · world median 54.73
Highest 105.18 (Central African Republic)
▲ +8 percentile points since 2013
Total Fertility Ratetop 19%3.596Live births per woman2023
top 19% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Live births per woman
Vanuatu 3.596 · world median 1.962
Highest 6.132 (Somalia)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2013
Not currently covered
The newest edition of these reports does not include Vanuatu. Usually the publisher does not cover it; sometimes it has dropped out of a ranking it used to appear in.
- Account Ownership at a Financial Institution
- Adjusted Net Savings · last seen 2020
- Agricultural Irrigated Land
- Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Value Added (% of GDP) · last seen 2024
- Average Time to Clear Exports Through Customs
- Births Attended by Skilled Health Staff · last seen 2013
- Carbon Intensity of Electricity · last seen 2023
- Container Port Traffic · last seen 2019
- Ecological Footprint
- Economic Complexity Index
- Exports of Goods and Services (% of GDP) · last seen 2024
- Fatal Occupational Injuries
- Female Genital Mutilation Prevalence
- Female Share of Researchers
- Female Share of Senior and Middle Management · last seen 2020
- Gender Social Norms Index
- General Government Consumption · last seen 2024
- Gini Index · last seen 2019
- Global Innovation Index
- Global Militarisation Index
- Global Report on Food Crises
- GNI per Capita (PPP) · last seen 2024
- Government Funding per Primary Student · last seen 2020
- Gross Capital Formation (% of GDP) · last seen 2024
- Gross Savings (% of GDP) · last seen 2022
- Household Consumption · last seen 2024
- ICT Goods Exports · last seen 2011
- ICT Services Exports · last seen 2022
- Imports of Goods and Services (% of GDP) · last seen 2024
- Inbound Mobility Rate, Tertiary
- Income Share Held by Lowest 20% · last seen 2019
- Income Share Held by Richest 10% · last seen 2019
- Industry Value Added including Construction (% of GDP) · last seen 2024
- INFORM Severity Index
- Learning Poverty
- Logistics Performance Index
- Low-Carbon Share of Electricity Generation · last seen 2023
- Manufacturing Value Added (% of GDP) · last seen 2024
- Median Daily Income or Consumption per Person · last seen 2019
- Mobile Phone Ownership
- Net Electricity Imports (share of generation) · last seen 2023
- Nuclear Share of Electricity Generation · last seen 2023
- Outbound Mobility Ratio, Tertiary · last seen 2004
- Palma Ratio · last seen 2019
- PISA Mathematics Performance
- PISA Reading Performance
- PISA Science Performance
- Planetary pressures-adjusted HDI
- Political Violence by Non-State Actors · last seen 2023
- Poverty Gap at $3.00 a Day · last seen 2019
- Poverty Headcount Ratio at $3.00 a Day · last seen 2019
- Poverty Headcount Ratio at $8.30 a Day · last seen 2019
- Prevalence of Severe Food Insecurity · last seen 2020
- Prosperity Gap · last seen 2019
- Public Sector Employment
- Renewable Share of Electricity Generation · last seen 2023
- Research and Development Spending
- Researchers per Million Inhabitants
- School Life Expectancy · last seen 2004
- Secondary School Enrolment · last seen 2023
- Smartphone Ownership
- Social Institutions and Gender Index
- Societal Poverty Rate · last seen 2019
- Tertiary Enrolment Ratio · last seen 2004
- Trade (% of GDP) · last seen 2024
- Trade Union Density
- Water Stress
- Water Withdrawal by Sector
- Wind and Solar Share of Electricity Generation · last seen 2023
- Working Poverty Rate
- World Energy Trilemma Index
- Youth Not in Education, Employment or Training · last seen 2020
07Keep reading
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08Method
Sources and how to read them
How to read this page
- The scores and ranks belong to their publishers. Nothing is adjusted, rescaled or re-ranked; each is reproduced from the edition named beside it. Where a row says position · derived, the publisher ranks nobody on that measure and the position is ours, made by ordering the published score.
- Each statistic shows its newest edition, which is not always the edition the Country Index uses: the index pins every source to one data year so its average compares like with like.
How a standing is built from percentiles, why Vanuatu can move because other countries moved, and why publishers measure between 120 and 215 countries each are set out in full in how a standing is made and what a standing cannot tell you.
Sources
- Statistics: 29 publishers, each named beside its numbers, with every edition and licence on the datasets pages.
- Capital, languages, currency, codes: Wikidata, public domain (CC0).
- Map and land borders: Natural Earth, public domain. Borders are de facto — where administration actually changes — not claimed.
Photographs
The photograph of Vanuatu on this page comes from Wikimedia Commons and is shown in greyscale. The photographer and the licence are named beside each one.
Cite this page
Nations Inquiry (2026). Vanuatu: country statistics, rankings and trends. https://nationsinquiry.com/countries/vanuatu