New Hebrides

New Hebrides was the colonial name for the archipelago now known as Vanuatu in the South Pacific, used during the period when the islands were jointly administered by Britain and France. The condominium arrangement lasted from the early 20th century until independence in 1980.

The islands form a volcanic and coral archipelago of around 80 principal islands with diverse cultures and languages. The group is known for active volcanism on some islands, tropical climates, and extensive reef systems.

In 1980 the New Hebrides became the independent Republic of Vanuatu, which established its own government and changed international usage of the name from New Hebrides to Vanuatu.

The islands lie in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, northeast of Australia and west of Fiji, stretching roughly northwest to southeast across several hundred kilometres.

• Historical name and status: The name New Hebrides referred to the islands now forming the Republic of Vanuatu during the period of Anglo-French condominium administration prior to independence in 1980.

Major international flights arrive into Port Vila (Efate) and Luganville (Espiritu Santo); inter-island travel is by domestic flights and ferries. Check seasonal timetables as small aircraft and boat services are weather-dependent.