The climate is sub-tropical with approximately nine months of warm to hot rainy weather and the possibility of cyclones and three to four months of cooler drier weather characterized by winds from the southeast.
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.
Vanuatu kava is more potent than kava drunk in other South Pacific countries. It's a legal ‘opiate’ that comes from grating, grinding or chewing the root of the plant.