Provinces of Vanuatu

List of provinces and main island groups

• Torba – Banks and Torres island groups
• Sanma – Espiritu Santo and Malo
• Penama – Pentecost, Ambae and Maewo
• Malampa – Malakula, Ambrym and Paama
• Shefa – Efate and the Shepherd Islands (includes the national capital)
• Tafea – Tanna and the southernmost islands

History and development

The current provincial arrangement dates from 1994 when the central government reorganised the country’s internal boundaries to improve administration across dispersed islands. The province names often reflect the islands they contain; several are formed from combinations or acronyms of island names. The change formalised local boundaries while leaving ultimate authority with the national government in Port Vila.

Functions and governance

Provinces act as intermediate units between local communities and the national government. Provincial bodies coordinate regional development projects, maintenance of some public infrastructure, and liaison with central ministries. Customary authorities and village councils remain influential in local decision-making, so provincial administration typically operates alongside traditional leadership.

Geography, culture and significance

The provinces reflect Vanuatu’s geographic spread and cultural diversity: languages, customs and economic activities vary from one province to another. Some provinces contain major towns that concentrate services and tourism, while others are very remote and primarily subsistence-based. This diversity affects infrastructure needs, disaster response planning and development priorities.

Further information

For administrative details, maps and recent developments about the country’s subdivisions see general resources on Vanuatu’s provincial structure. Provinces remain key reference units for statistics, local planning and regional identity within the republic.