Vanuatu: economy

What is Vanuatu's GDP growth rate?

Vanuatu's real GDP grew 3.8% in 2024, down from 5.8% in 2023, according to the Vanuatu Bureau of Statistics' preliminary GDP 2024 report, released on 14 November 2025. Nominal GDP reached VT 154.7 billion, and real GDP per head rose from VT 466,578 to VT 473,262.

This is the latest annual estimate on the bureau's site, and it is preliminary. Industry grew 11% in real terms and agriculture 3.9%, while kava output fell 17%. Services grew 2.6%. The trade deficit widened to VT 35.0 billion.

Official sources: Vanuatu Bureau of Statistics: preliminary GDP 2024 (PDF)

What is the inflation rate in Vanuatu?

Vanuatu's consumer price index was 1.2% higher in the June quarter of 2026 than a year earlier, according to the Vanuatu Bureau of Statistics' CPI release for the second quarter of 2026, released on 16 September 2026. Prices rose 1.4% from the previous quarter, led by transport, up 8.8%, mainly petrol and diesel.

The index covers Port Vila, Luganville and Lenakel only. Over the year, health costs rose 11.1%, transport 8.1% and education 7.8%. Underlying inflation, which leaves out volatile prices, was up just 0.1% on a year earlier.

Official sources: Vanuatu Bureau of Statistics: consumer price index, 2nd quarter 2026 (PDF)

How many tourists visit Vanuatu?

11,106 visitors arrived in Vanuatu by air in August 2026, 20% more than in August 2025, according to the Vanuatu Bureau of Statistics' international visitor arrivals release for August 2026. Four cruise ships also brought 11,820 day visitors, 52% of all visitors that month.

Air arrivals were 9% lower than in July. Holiday makers were 80% of air visitors, and visitors living in Australia made up 54% of all air arrivals. Air visitors planned to stay 11 days on average. Cruise visitors usually stay only a day, so air arrivals are the better guide to tourist spending.

Official sources: Vanuatu Bureau of Statistics: international visitor arrivals, August 2026 (PDF)

What is Vanuatu's economic growth rate?

According to the World Bank, real GDP growth in Vanuatu was 3.1% in 2025. The peak was 8.5% in 2006 and the low -5.7% in 2020. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 3.6%, and Vanuatu placed 17th highest of 29. World rank, highest first: 97th of 180.

What is Vanuatu's GDP per person?

In 2025, GDP per person in Vanuatu was $4,039, according to the World Bank. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was $6,547, and Vanuatu placed 22nd highest of 29. Of 180 countries with 2025 data, 123rd highest.

How does Vanuatu's income per person compare after prices?

$4,525 in international dollars: that is GDP per person at purchasing power parity in Vanuatu for 2025, according to the World Bank. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. East Asia & Pacific median: $14,200 in international dollars; Vanuatu is 27th highest of 29. Of 179 countries with 2025 data, 152nd highest.

What share of Vanuatu's economy is exports?

The latest figure from the World Bank, for 2024, is 25.3% of GDP. The peak was 51.3% of GDP in 2012 and the low 7.9% of GDP in 2021. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 32.7% of GDP, and Vanuatu placed 16th highest of 25. Worldwide: 112th of 162.

Does Vanuatu have a current account surplus or deficit?

The latest figure from the IMF, for 2022, is -11.1% of GDP, which is a deficit. The peak was 6.9% of GDP in 2019 and the low -24.0% of GDP in 2008. It is 21st highest of 27 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is -0.3% of GDP. World rank, highest first: 145th of 172.

What is FDI in Vanuatu?

2.4% of GDP: that is net inflows of foreign direct investment in Vanuatu for 2025, according to the IMF. Since 2005 it has ranged from 0.9% of GDP (2022) to 9.9% of GDP (2006). It is 13th highest of 28 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 1.9% of GDP. World rank, highest first: 77th of 179.

What interest rate do banks charge in Vanuatu?

According to the IMF, the average bank lending rate in Vanuatu was 8.4% in 2025. No year since 2013 has been lower. East Asia & Pacific median: 6.5%; Vanuatu is 3rd highest of 10. Of 73 countries with 2025 data, 42nd highest.