Port Vila is the capital of Vanuatu
Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu, is also the largest population center in the country. For the main city of the state, located in the Pacific Ocean (in its southwestern part), the island of Efate was chosen among the many large and small islands. The name directly speaks of which two main parts this settlement consists of: «port» - he is the port, «vila» translated from French, but in local pronunciation, means «city».
A bit of history
It was not without the participation of colonists: the first representatives of foreign states appeared in these territories at the end of the 19th century. First, the port was founded, which influenced the rapid development of the city itself, the role of the commercial center went to Vila in 1882. And at the beginning of the twentieth century, the same Vila received the status of the capital of the colony, it was here that the government and various departments were located. True, life in the capital was not very safe, since the main population was poor and newly released criminals. And even the main street looked like a narrow path resembling a path.
The city began to develop only in the second half of the twentieth century, when taxes were reduced in the country. At this time, there was an active demolition of colonial buildings, the layout of city quarters improved, new buildings appeared. The city authorities paid special attention to the port, which was the main source of foreign exchange in the country through trade and tourism. The port was seriously reconstructed, a new pier appeared, which could receive cruise ships.
Attractions and museums
Major artifacts are collected and displayed at the National Museum; The National Library; Vanuatu Cultural Center. Here you can see the masterpieces of contemporary artists, sculptors, masters of decorative and applied arts. Another similar institution is located in the vicinity of Port Vila - the Oceania Arts Center. You can also get acquainted with ancient drawings, as well as with their modern interpretation in the Art Gallery.
A kind of excursion into the past can be obtained when traveling around the capital, for example, buildings of the colonial era have been preserved in the French Quarter, the Anglican Church and the old Courthouse, a fish market are in the city center..
National life of Port Vila
Today the capital of Vanuatu is a city in which people of many nationalities live. The population consists of the descendants of the first settlers and colonists, primarily the French and British.
Also, a fairly large diaspora is made up of the Chinese, followed by the former residents of Vietnam, and, of course, the indigenous population of the country, the so-called Ni-Vanuatu. By the way, thanks to the workers from China in 1992, the Parliament building appeared in the capital, which is the architectural highlight of the modern city..
