Indigenous Melanesians, ni-Vanuatu, comprise 98% of the population. Of Vanuatu's 82 islands, 67 are inhabited, but 80% of people live on 12 main islands. One in eight ni-Vanuatu now lives in Port-Vila. However, 75% of the population still live by subsistence agriculture.
Vanuatu is home to some of the Pacific's most traditional peoples and local social and religious customs are strong. With 105 indigenous languages, Vanuatu boasts the world's highest per capita density of languages. Bislama pidgin is the "lingua franca."
Women have lower social status than men and bride price is still commonly paid. Many educated women refuse to marry because of loss of property rights. To boost equality, primary schools must now take 50% girls.
