Map of Vanuatu – Islands, Provinces & Location Guide
Explore this interactive map of Vanuatu to locate its main islands, provinces, towns, volcanic landscapes and surrounding South Pacific waters. Zoom in on Efate and the capital, Port Vila, or follow the island chain north to Espiritu Santo and south to Tanna and Aneityum.
Vanuatu is an island country in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Australia and northeast of New Caledonia. Its capital, Port Vila, is on Efate. The country has six provinces and an island chain extending roughly north to south, with Espiritu Santo its largest island.
Interactive Map of Vanuatu
Use the controls to zoom, pan and identify islands, settlements and coastal features. The wider view is useful because Vanuatu's islands are spread over a considerable stretch of ocean.
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Where Is Vanuatu Located?
Vanuatu lies in Melanesia, a region of the southwestern Pacific. Its islands sit east of the Coral Sea and northeast of New Caledonia, with the Solomon Islands farther north and Fiji to the east. It is not one continuous landmass: travel between many islands requires an aircraft or boat.
On a regional map, the country forms a long, loosely Y-shaped archipelago. The main population centres and transport links are concentrated around Efate and Espiritu Santo, while many smaller islands are more remote.
Vanuatu's Six Provinces
The country's six administrative provinces group islands together rather than dividing a single mainland. The table below gives a practical way to recognise them on the map.
| Province | Main islands or island groups | Administrative centre |
|---|---|---|
| Torba | Banks and Torres Islands | Sola |
| Sanma | Espiritu Santo, Malo and Aore | Luganville |
| Penama | Pentecost, Ambae and Maewo | Saratamata |
| Malampa | Malekula, Ambrym and Paama | Lakatoro |
| Shefa | Efate, Epi and Shepherd Islands | Port Vila |
| Tafea | Tanna, Erromango, Aneityum, Aniwa and Futuna | Isangel |
Major Islands and Towns
Efate is home to Port Vila, the national capital and a major centre for administration, trade and tourism. Roads around the island connect coastal communities and provide access to beaches and harbours.
Espiritu Santo, commonly called Santo, is Vanuatu's largest island. Its principal town, Luganville, is an important northern transport centre. The island is known for beaches, freshwater blue holes and sites associated with the Second World War.
Tanna is south of Efate and is especially well known for Mount Yasur. Malekula and Ambrym lie in the central part of the archipelago, while Pentecost, Ambae and Maewo lie farther north. Aneityum is one of the southernmost inhabited islands.
Volcanoes, Mountains and Natural Features
Many Vanuatu islands were formed by volcanic processes. Mount Yasur on Tanna is a prominent active volcano. Ambrym contains the volcanic centres of Benbow and Marum, and Ambae has also experienced significant volcanic activity. Access to volcanic areas can change rapidly with alerts and local restrictions.
The highest mountain is Mount Tabwemasana on Espiritu Santo. Much of the landscape is steep and forested, with coastal plains, coral reefs, sheltered bays and inland waterways. Some islands are separated by deep ocean passages, so their apparent closeness on a small map can be misleading.
Getting Around Vanuatu
International arrivals commonly use Bauerfield International Airport near Port Vila. Airports also serve Espiritu Santo and Tanna, with smaller airstrips on other islands. Domestic services and flight routes should always be confirmed with the relevant operator before travel.
Inter-island ferries, cargo vessels and smaller boats connect selected islands. Connections may be irregular and are affected by sea conditions, weather and demand. Roads are generally most extensive around the principal population centres; elsewhere, travel can involve unsealed roads or water transport.
How to Read the Map
Start with Port Vila on Efate to orient yourself. Zoom north for Luganville on Santo and the Banks and Torres groups; move south for Tanna and Aneityum. At a closer zoom level, OpenStreetMap may show roads, villages, island names and local geographic features that are not visible at the country-wide scale.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capital of Vanuatu?
Port Vila, on the island of Efate, is the capital.
How many provinces does Vanuatu have?
Vanuatu has six provinces: Torba, Sanma, Penama, Malampa, Shefa and Tafea.
What is the largest island in Vanuatu?
Espiritu Santo is the largest island by land area.
Where is Mount Yasur?
Mount Yasur is on Tanna Island in Tafea Province, south of Efate.
Is Vanuatu near Australia?
Vanuatu lies northeast of Australia in the South Pacific. It is separated from Australia's east coast by a substantial distance of ocean.
Can you drive between Vanuatu's islands?
No. Roads serve individual islands, but travel between islands generally requires a plane or boat.
Does the map show current travel conditions?
No. The map is intended for geographic reference, not live road, ferry, weather or volcanic hazard updates.