The Republic of Vanuatu is a Y-shaped archipelago consisting of 83 islands, 65 of which are inhabited. The island chain is located roughly 800 km west of Fiji and 1,770km east of Australia. Vanuatu is one of the world's most at-risk nations for natural disasters including volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, cyclones, regular flooding and drought. The population is 342,000 (2024) with Port Vila being the capital and largest city. Vanuatu is constitutional democracy with a representative parliamentary system. The president has mostly ceremonial powers and is the Head of State. The economy is largely reliant on small scale agriculture, fishing, tourism and offshore financial services.
Vanuatu does not have a military, instead the Vanuatu Mobile Force (VMF) is responsible for assisting the general duties branch of the Vanuatu Police Force (VPF) to maintain law and order. Where there is an external threat, the VMF provides a limited first line defence against aggression. Australia is Vanuatu's principal security partner. The ADF works with the VMF and Police Maritime Win g to support capability, training, operations and facilities.