A Brief Background History Of Vanuatu

Many people share the same fantasy of owning island property. The idea of a tropical island is alluring to almost anybody; the sand, sea and sun right outside your window, relaxing days spent by the beach and a perfect escape from the stress of modern city life. Nestled in the South Pacific between New Caledonia, Fiji and the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu offers a lifestyle less commonly led, but frequently fantasized about. You could purchase a piece of Vanuatu property for sale or even your own island for the price of a nice home in a well to do area of New Zealand or Australia. A relaxing, dream lifestyle comes a lot cheaper than you might imagine.

Vanuatu is steeped in history and unique island culture. The islands were first discovered by Europeans in 1606 but have been inhabited for four thousand years. The archipelago is comprised of over eighty islands and where more than 113 languages are spoken. Like many island cultures, the notions of property and ownership were far different to the Europeans. Land was sold or given away for use and was not something that could be owned. After 300 years, by 1960, 30% of the land in Vanuatu had been claimed by Europeans.

Both the British and French had stakes in the country. The two powers came together to rule the country under, what was called, the ‘British-French Condominium’. The condominium lasted from 1906 through to 1980. During this period Vanuatu was known as New Hebrides. During World War II the arrival of Americans would see new wealth introduced to the archipelago, which was essential to the indigenous peoples’ feelings of identity.

From the late 1960s, political movements began and political parties started to form. For the next two decades the Vanua’aku Pati party started to push for independence and in 1980 the Republic of Vanuatu was born.

After years of being a colony of the British and French, Vanuatu became an independent country and an independent people. Many French landowners left the country, compensated for land by the French government, and ownership was reverted back to the indigenous people of Vanuatu.

Getting that relaxed, laid back lifestyle is not impossible. Vanuatu is a beautiful country, with a rich culture. Whether you are looking to run a resort or just own a little place for yourself, Vanuatu is a great place for an investment. Look to Vanuatu for one of the most positive lifestyle changes you can make. Don’t just invest in a property; invest in a new way of life in Vanuatu.