The way of life in Port-Vila reflects its French and English colonial heritage.

colonial style building
photo from 1992

Vanuatu Court House.
razed in a fire in the early morning of Thursday 07 June 2007

monument to local men involved in the European war

With fine restaurants, shops, and hotels, it is a cosmopolitan city that caters to Western tourists.

tourist attraction is the ocean

a resort on its own island

with a native band

and dancers

but "No Walking on the tall Grass"

Vanuatu’s other urban area, Luganville, is a simpler community with far fewer Western characteristics. In rural areas, the traditional lifestyle centered around subsistence agriculture remains largely intact. Houses made from local wood and palm leaves predominate, and much of the clothing is of traditional design. Both urban and rural residents consume kava, a mildly narcotic drink made from a plant in the pepper family, in ceremonial and recreational settings.

Custom Chief's Meeting House

the lagoon

native boats

local art

on Tanna island is an active volcano

volcano fire seen at night

Tanna island vegetation

Photos of the People of Tanna Island