AloTrip

Where do you travel?

trustpilot

Vanuatu - The happiest land in the world

Fri, 21 Feb 2020. Last updated Fri, 21 Feb 2020 16:41

Related stories

Although the country always cope with natural disasters, Vanuatu is listed on the happiest countries in the world. Vanuatu people are always happy with their spiritual life, not what material they are owning.

Vanuatu is a Pacific island country located in the South Pacific Ocean. The archipelago, which is of volcanic origin, is 1,750 kilometres (1,090 mi) east of northern Australia, 540 kilometres (340 mi) northeast of New Caledonia, east of New Guinea, southeast of the Solomon Islands, and west of Fiji. Vanuatu used to rank fourth in total 178 happiest countries in the world, according to Happy Planet Index (HPI).

It is because of locating in the Ring of Fire, Vanuatu is easily affected by natural disasters. In 2015, the Paml storm had destroyed the archipelago, which made 75 thousands of people lose their houses. Although they suffered from the loss, local people rapidly started a new life. Villages were built after a short period of time. 

A question is raised: What makes the small land suffering many natural disasters be always happy? One of the reasons was given since the Independence in 1980, lands in Vanuatu belonged to indigenous people. Lands were not sold to foreigners. Vanuatu means “Our forever land”. In addition, there are more than 110 languages used here.

Families in Vanuatu

The survey of Vanuatu National Statistics Office (VNSO) stated that landowners were happier than those who did not have. Nowadays, three fourths of the country’s population (nearly 300 thousands of people) lives in the countryside. Almost all local people on islands are allowed to use lands and do farming at places where they live. Goods of pork, yams, and pepper are used for exchange in Vanuatu without money. 

People in Vanuatu are always happy, not because they have a beautiful house, it is because they can witness their children’s growth, teach them to plant and work like parents. That is the culture, customs of the archipelago. They respect leaders, elders and believe that it will help their community become wealthier. “Family is very important to us”, Brenda Daniel, a local said.

“We always relax our minds, take it easy and laugh. You will always see smiles on faces of those who you have never met before coming here.  That is how we live”, a local explained why they are always happy.  “In our culture, we stick to gardens since we were born. They feed us and we are happy when we have a good relationship with lands”.

In addition, to local people, they are interested in the environment and they define that happiness is when you are responsible for the nature, lands and water source. 

Dorothy Hamish, another local said: “We are still alive after the destruction of Paml, we have active volcanoes and earthquakes. But, we still overcome and live well. That is us”.

Vanuatu islands

“When living in peace, no disasters, we feel happy. We believe that is a favor, a blessing”.

The report of the Happy Planet Index depends on standards such as national welfare, longevity, gender equality and comfort…

In recent years, Vanuatu’s government often faces the change of sea level, climate change and islands disappearing. Moreover, the archipelago is seen as the most dangerous and riskiest in the world, according to a report in 2014 of United Nations University.

From Vietnam, flights to Vanuatu are connected via Australia. The flight time from the east of Australia to Vanuatu is about four hours. Passengers can book flights to Vanuatu of Virgin Australia and Air Vanuatu to fly directly to Vanuatu from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne; the destination is Vanuatu’s capital - Port Vila. The Bauerfield International Airport is about 15 minutes by car to Port Vila. Coming here, you can take a taxi or available shuttle of hotel to go to the resorts on the island.

  • View
    2027
  • Share
    18
  • Comment
    0
  • 0
  • 18
  • 0
Vietnam Airlines sets IPO date in September
Vietnam Airlines sets IPO date in September

IPO is Initial Public Offering in which a company sells its shares to the general public for the first time. Under the plan of equitisation of State enterprises, Vietnam Airlines intends to perform its IPO in September 2014.

National action plan for Vietnam green growth strategy
National action plan for Vietnam green growth strategy

National action plan for Vietnam green growth strategy has been approved recently. This strategy aims to reduce greenhouse gases emissions, develop infrastructure, cope with climate change and drive economic growth in a sustainable manner.

Thu Thiem new urban area of Ho Chi Minh City in future
Thu Thiem new urban area of Ho Chi Minh City in future

Ho Chi Minh City decided to expand center area including the whole Thu Thiem new urban area. There are accordingly some changes in Ho Chi Minh districts as well as the city urban area.

Da Nang takes master plan on urban development
Da Nang takes master plan on urban development

Da Nang authority takes master plan to make the city into a large urban area of Vietnam and a major socio-economic hub of the Central. The plan has been recently declared to the Prime Minister for approval.

Dalat worries nuclear reactor hitting tourism
Dalat worries nuclear reactor hitting tourism

Vu Van Ninh, the deputy of Prime Minister has asked authorities of central part of Vietnam to consider proposal of Lam Dong Province on relocating the future nuclear reactor area outside the resort town in Dalat in years to come.

Cat Bi International Airport to be expanded in 2015
Cat Bi International Airport to be expanded in 2015

Project of expanding Cat Bi International Airport is one of projects on key transportation development in Hai Phong, and it is expected to finish in 2015. This project has a total capital of 3,600 billion dong.

Investment in Vietnam appeals transnational corporations
Investment in Vietnam appeals transnational corporations

Investment in Vietnam has witnessed a rapid growth in recent years with a large amount of capital from transnational corporations, of which many have decided to build basis of mass production and distribution.

Vietnam economy forecasted to grow in 2014
Vietnam economy forecasted to grow in 2014

As global economy is having positive changes, Vietnam economy will be definitely boosted. It is expected to increase 5.6 percent in this 2014 thanks to the recovery of the United States and Eurozone in banking reforms.

Vietnam stock market receives huge investment from Singapore
Vietnam stock market receives huge investment from Singapore

Vietnam is becoming a potential destination for foreign investors. The clearest evidence is that Vietnam stock market continuously receives positive information from Singaporean investors in the early months.

USA - Vietnam technology cooperation on robotics training program
USA - Vietnam technology cooperation on robotics training program

This cooperation of Vietnam technology has cooperation with Carnegie Mellon University (US) to raise the quality of robotics training program in Vietnam. raises the opportunity of Vietnamese students in accessing new technologies.

Da Nang free Wifi to be officially public
Da Nang free Wifi to be officially public

After one year of testing, Da Nang free Wifi was officially put into operation with the domestic bandwidth up to 700 Mbps and the international bandwidth up to 40 Mbps increased four times in comparison to the testing period.

Vietnam Literature Museum opened with over 4000 artifacts
Vietnam Literature Museum opened with over 4000 artifacts

Vietnam Writers Association held the opening ceremony of Vietnam Literature Museum at 275 Au Co Street, Tay Ho District, in Hanoi. It has an area of 3000 square meters and exhibits over 4,000 artifacts and documents relating to writers and literary works.

Meeting of ASEAN Puppetry Association to be held in Vietnam
Meeting of ASEAN Puppetry Association to be held in Vietnam

On June, 19th, 2014, The Hanoi Puppetry Theatre organized the opening ceremony of the 6th Meeting of ASEAN Puppetry Association. This event will last from June, 19th to June, 21th with the attendance of ten ASEAN nations.

Vietnam Textile and Garment export can reach 24.5 billion USD
Vietnam Textile and Garment export can reach 24.5 billion USD

Vietnam Textile and Garment export 2014 is more likely to reach 24.5 billion dollars, an increase of over 19% in comparison to the previous year. It have been said that this is the largest increase in three preceding years.

World press sees positive Vietnam economy outlook
World press sees positive Vietnam economy outlook

In a Russian newspaper, among "Asian tigers", Vietnam is appealing a great attention when entering international integration and remaining stability during crisis period. Vietnam economy is accessed to attract more investors in years to come.

Ca Hue becomes National Intangible Cultural Heritage
Ca Hue becomes National Intangible Cultural Heritage

On June 11, according to the Ministry of Tourism, Sports and Culture, Ca Hue has been recognized as one of intangible cultural heritages in Vietnam. In addition, there are more than 25 cases honored and recognized as intangible cultural heritages.

Soho Street in Hong Kong is dying by COVID 19
Soho Street in Hong Kong is dying by COVID 19

Facing the constant shortage of customers due to the Covid-19 epidemic and the high renting expense, a series of restaurants on Soho Street - the Hong Kong's most bustling area had to close.

Osaka - Ho Chi Minh project for developing low-carbon city
Osaka - Ho Chi Minh project for developing low-carbon city

Being conducted from 2011, Osaka – Ho Chi Minh project for developing low carbon city has achieve many outstanding achievements, especially in saving energy and using friendly-environmental energy. This contributes to the local environment.

Investment in Hanoi attracts more foreign capital
Investment in Hanoi attracts more foreign capital

After Vietnam joined WTO, investment projects come to Vietnam more and more. Hanoi is one of the leading localities participating in appealing foreign investment in Northern Vietnam. Investment in Hanoi has gained significant achievement.

Hoi An hosts the 4th Vietnam International Choir Competition
Hoi An hosts the 4th Vietnam International Choir Competition

From April 29 to May 5, in Hoi An, the 4th Vietnam International Choir Competition will take place. Previously, the heritage city was selected as the host of this international competition by Interkultur. It is a chance for promotion the image of Hoi An.

Landmark 81 – the highest building in Vietnam
Landmark 81 – the highest building in Vietnam

On December 13th, an 81-storey skyscraper named The Landmark 81, which belongs to luxury urban area Vinhomes Central Park was started construction by Vingroup. It is expected that this highest building in Vietnam will be inaugurated in 2017.

Starbucks Vietnam opens three stores in Hanoi
Starbucks Vietnam opens three stores in Hanoi

Starbucks will open its three coffee shops in Hanoi in the effort to conquer the demanding palates of residents in this city. According to a representative of Starbucks Vietnam, the first three stores will be opened in prime locations of Hanoi.

Ho Chi Minh City opens 2nd McDonalds restaurant
Ho Chi Minh City opens 2nd McDonalds restaurant

After the success of the first restaurant on Dien Bien Phu Street, District 1, McDonalds Ho Chi Minh City will open the second on May 16th. The new restaurant is located near Ben Thanh Market, on Tran Hung Dao Street.

Vietnam economy forecasted to grow in 2014
Vietnam economy forecasted to grow in 2014

As global economy is having positive changes, Vietnam economy will be definitely boosted. It is expected to increase 5.6 percent in this 2014 thanks to the recovery of the United States and Eurozone in banking reforms.

Da Nang becoming the most worth-living city in Vietnam
Da Nang becoming the most worth-living city in Vietnam

39 years after the Vietnam Liberation Day, Da Nang has developed significantly in all aspects. More importantly, Da Nang City has leave impression on tourists and residents as the most worth-living city in Vietnam.

Vietnamese middle class increases most rapidly in Asia
Vietnamese middle class increases most rapidly in Asia

According to a recent survey conducted by ANZ, it is reported that Vietnamese middle class increases most rapidly in Asia, about 2 million Vietnamese joining the middle-class of Vietnamese society every year.

Asia Park Da Nang begins forthcoming operations
Asia Park Da Nang begins forthcoming operations

Sun Group Corporation recently has celebrated groundbreaking ceremony to construct Asia Park Da Nang cultural park and recreation on 2/9 street with a total investment of $ 200 million.

Thu Thiem new urban area of Ho Chi Minh City in future
Thu Thiem new urban area of Ho Chi Minh City in future

Ho Chi Minh City decided to expand center area including the whole Thu Thiem new urban area. There are accordingly some changes in Ho Chi Minh districts as well as the city urban area.

Ho Chi Minh Vincom Center will open Kids World
Ho Chi Minh Vincom Center will open Kids World

The second Kids World will be opened on Dong Khoi Street by Ho Chi Minh Vincom Center, on April 25th. With a scale of more than 5000 square meters, Kids World is expected to be the paradise for children.

Attractive activities for Children Day in Hanoi
Attractive activities for Children Day in Hanoi

June 1st has been chosen as the International Children’s Day since 1950. On this occasion annually, a large number of attractive activities for Children Day in Hanoi will be celebrated in several attractions and amusement parks across the city.