Vanuatu is recognized as one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world. There are small communities of French, British, Australian, New Zealand, Vietnamese, Chinese and other Pacific Island people living in harmony with the Ni-Vanuatu.  Until 1980 Vanuatu, then known as the New Hebrides, was jointly administered by France and Britain as a "Condominium". Most of Vanuatu's islands are lightly populated lush preserves of forest.  Some have active volcanoes.  All are surrounded by sea that is still clean.  Of those inhabited, some such as Malekula and Ambrym are home to some of the South Pacific's last truly primitive people in places not easily accessible.

Tanna, an hours flight south of Port Vila is the home of the "John Frum" Cargo Cult people and is also the location for the "Toka" ritual dance.

On the island of Pentecost the land diving ritual takes place during April and May, with men jumping from towers constructed from bush materials to be brought up just short of the ground by vines tied to their legs.

The waters surrounding the islands of Vanuatu provide some of the most spectacular and varied diving in the South Pacific. Swim in warm, crystal-clear water, watch schools of multi-colored fish, explore a huge sunken plane and ship wrecks or paddle among shallow coral reefs brimming with marine life.

Vanuatu is accessed from Australia and Fiji.