
Flag of Vanuatu
Vanuatu celebrates Independence Day. It gained its freedom from France and Great Britain in 1980. This group of twelve larger islands and sixty smaller islands changed its name from the New Hebrides to Vanuatu on this day as well. The country is located in the Pacific Ocean, and Port Vila is the capital. The area of Vanuatu is about the same as the area of Connecticut. Approximately two thirds of the 260,000 people living on the islands are farmers. Other industries include tourism and off-shore fishing.

part of the navy. Within a year 27,000 women had volunteered for jobs ranging from clerical work to medical support to intelligence. By 1945, over 86,000 women had enlisted, and over 8,000 women had become officers. In 1948, women were incorporated into the navy, and the term WAVES was retired. Older children can read an interesting article at: