Half of the population of Vanuatu lives on the country’s three largest islands, Espiritu Santo, Malakula, and Efate. Three-quarters of the population lives in rural areas. Those who live in urban areas live primarily in two cities, Port-Vila and Lugenville.

Statistics

Demographics

Population

307150
In Total

Annual births

8838
In Total

Children under five years old

0.14%
In Total

Under-five mortality

26
per 1,000 live births

ECD Indices

ECDI

Early Childhood Development Index (ECDI) is an overall index score capturing the percentage of children aged 36-59 months who are on track in at least three of four domains. This is currently represented in the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) that assesses children aged 36-59 months in four domains: language/literacy, numeracy, physical, socio-emotional, and cognitive development. Mothers or primary caregivers are asked 20 questions about the way their children behave in certain everyday situations, and the skills and knowledge they have acquired. (Click here to know more.)

159%

Lifetime cost of growth deficit in early childhood

This refers to the estimated the economic costs of poor early development by calculating the cost of child growth deficit as a percent loss of the annual adult wage in the country. (Click here to know more.)

0.45

Human capital index

The Human Capital Index is a summary measure of the amount of human capital that a child born today can expect to acquire by age 18, given the risks of poor health and poor education that prevail in the country where she lives. (Click here to know more.)

Threats

Threats to early childhood development

Maternal mortality

72
per 100,000 births

Low birthweight

11%
of all births

Under-five stunting

28%
of all births

Child poverty

18%
of all births

Violent discipline

86%
of all births

Preterm births

10%
of all births

Young mothers (births by 18 years)

13%
of all births

Inadequate supervision

No Data
of all births

Nurturing Care

Healthcare

Antenatal care

52%

Postnatal visits

No data

Nutrition

Early initiation of breastfeeding

No Data

Exclusive breastfeeding

No Data

Minimum acceptable diet

No Data

Early Learning

Attendance in ECD

No Data

Early stimulation at home

No Data

Children's books in the home

No Data

Security and safety

Birth registration

43%

Positive discipline

7%

Basic drinking water

91%

Basic sanitation

34%

Responsive Caregiving

Comparative country data urgently needed

Public information about ECD Parental mental health Parent support (groups, home visits) Quality child day care

Enabling Environment

Paid maternity leave

<14Weeks

Paid paternity leave

No paid leave

Child and family social protection

No

National ECD Policy

No

ECD Coordination Mechanism

Yes