My World Factbook
(Learn more about the new, improved World Factbook)
Note: Most information adapted from the popular World Factbook is distributed between the websites GeoWorld (geography, people, communications & transportation), Politix (government) and Great Depression II (economy).
Geography
Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to Australia
16 00 S, 167 00 E
Area: 
total: 12,189 sq km
country comparison to the world: 
163
land: 12,189 sq km
water: 0 sq km
note: includes more than 80 islands, about 65 of which are inhabited
slightly larger than Connecticut
0 km
2,528 km
measured from claimed archipelagic baselines
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin
Current Weather
tropical; moderated by southeast trade winds from May to October; moderate rainfall from November to April; may be affected by cyclones from December to April
mostly mountainous islands of volcanic origin; narrow coastal plains
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Tabwemasana 1,877 m
manganese, hardwood forests, fish
arable land: 1.64%
permanent crops: 6.97%
other: 91.39% (2005)
NA
tropical cyclones or typhoons (January to April); volcanic eruption on Aoba (Ambae) island began on 27 November 2005, volcanism also causes minor earthquakes; tsunamis
volcanism: Vanuatu experiences significant volcanic activity, with many volcanoes erupting in recent years; Yasur (elev. 361 m, 1,184 ft), one of the world’s most active volcanoes, has experienced continuous activity in recent centuries; other historically active volcanoes include, Aoba, Ambrym, Epi, Gaua, Kuwae, Lopevi, Suretamatai, and Traitor’s Head
most of the population does not have access to a reliable supply of potable water; deforestation
party to: Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 94
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
a Y-shaped chain of four main islands and 80 smaller islands; several of the islands have active volcanoes
The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism - 
