Vanuatu culture retains a strong diversity through local regional variations and through foreign influence. Vanuatu may be divided into three major cultural regions. In the north, wealth is established by how much one can give away.
The cuisine of Vanuatu (known in Bislama as aelan kakae) incorporates fish, root vegetables such as taro and yams, fruits, and vegetables. Most island families grow food in their gardens, and food shortages are rare.
The overall literacy rate is low (64% of the population), but literacy is relatively widespread among persons under 35 years of age. Primary education is available for almost all children except in a few remote tribal areas.