Vanuatu customs
Vanuatu Republic, located in the western South Pacific Ocean, is a Melanesian archipelago, composed of 83 islands (68 of which are inhabited). The largest island is Santo Island (an area of 3974 square kilometers), which has a tropical maritime climate with an average annual precipitation of 1600 mm. It has a tropical maritime climate, with an average temperature of 25.3℃ in the capital Port Vila. The land area is 12,190 square kilometers and the water area is 848,000 square kilometers. 98% of them are Vanuatu and belong to the Melanesian race. The official languages are English, French and Bislama. Bislama is commonly spoken, and 84% of the people believe in Catholicism. It consists of approximately 80 islands (68 of which are inhabited).
People in Vanuatu are mainly engaged in production activities in the primary industry, most of which involve agriculture. Their crops can supply the needs of about 65% of Vanuatu's people. In addition, fisheries and animal husbandry are also one of Vanuatu's main economic activities. Tourism is also important in Vanuatu and is one of the basic sources of revenue for the government.
Western culture and traditional culture are the two main sources of customs and habits in Vanuatu. More than 100 years of rule by British and French colonists have left a profound impact. Urban residents basically live a modern and civilized life. But even in cities, almost all Vanuatu people still maintain contact with the countryside, and many return to their villages on weekends to engage in some pastoral production. Many Vanuatu people who work in cities still live in rural areas. After losing their jobs, many people returned to their islands to live traditional lives.
Vanuatu cities are generally new-style houses with few high-rise buildings. Most of them are bungalows and two-story buildings. The houses are fully equipped and the city appearance is very clean. But houses in rural areas are not the same. Indigenous houses are relatively small. Generally, houses are round or oval thatched huts. People with status in the city generally wear suits, while ordinary residents wear casual clothes, such as undershirts, T-shirts and trousers. Women usually wear undershirts and skirts. Vanuatu people like to eat western food, but taste light, do not eat spicy. Fish, prawns, beef, cold cuts, scrambled eggs, fried eggs, tomatoes, etc. are common foods eaten by Vanuatu people.
The chieftain tribal system still continues in Vanuatu's countryside. Vanuatu has a small population base and relatively abundant. Traditional staple foods are yam, taro, big bananas, papaya, sweet potatoes, etc. Traditional meat is pigs and chickens. Fishing is a production activity that supplements food, and few people specialize in fishing. Although Vanuatu is rich in marine resources, aquatic products are expensive and have limited varieties. Vanuatu has excellent natural conditions and lush plant growth. There is no hunger problem in Vanuatu. In fact, Vanuatu people can pick papayas, mangoes, etc. everywhere to satisfy their hunger.
Most Vanuatu people wear modern clothing, but due to poverty, clothing is crude. A small number of Vanuatu people living in remote areas and deep in the jungle still follow the traditional custom of women being bare and men's clothing is simpler.
People from the same tribe maintain a tradition of mutual friendship. There is no money to ask relatives and friends. When you see relatives and friends who have something they like, you can often take it away. Vanuatu people open shops, and relatives and friends can come and pick up the goods on credit. Generally, they are unable to repay them. Some local Vanuatu businessmen have to close their doors and close down. Therefore, under normal circumstances, it is difficult for Vanuatu people to do business.
Vanuatu people are very hierarchical, and people of the lower classes cannot share rights and honors with people of higher rank in many public occasions. But there is no such thing as low-ranking people being oppressed. Residents of different denominations strictly abide by their own religious rules.