188
Room of Countries and Flags · UN member 188
What is Vanuatu like?
日本語
In short
Vanuatu is a country in Melanesia, Oceania. In 2025 it has about 335,200 people (UN estimate), the 172nd most people of the 193 UN member states.
UN member since 1981Population: 172nd
Vanuatuバヌアツ- Region
- Melanesia, Oceania
- Population
- about 335,200 (172nd)
- Area
- 12,189 km² (155th)
- UN member since
- September 15, 1981
Ranks are among the 193 UN member states, from most people and from largest area.
Vanuatu in numbers
In 2025 the population is about 335,200, the 172nd most people of the 193 UN member states. That is about 1/370 of Japan’s (about 123 million).
The area is 12,189 km², the 155th largest of the 193. That is about 1/31 of Japan’s area.
If we work out the number of people per square kilometer (population density), it is about 27.
Joining the United Nations
Vanuatu joined the United Nations on September 15, 1981.
That was 25 years after Japan joined in 1956.
Think about it
- Q1Compare Vanuatu’s population rank and area rank. What do you notice?
- Q2Find Vanuatu on a map or globe. Which countries are around it?
- Q3Choose one thing you want to know more about Vanuatu, and look it up.
There is no single right answer. Talking it over with someone at home is a good way to learn.
Did you know? — There are 4 UN member states in Melanesia. The one with the most people is Papua New Guinea.