Vanuatu Rate of Natural Increase

Vanuatu’s rate of natural increase (RNI)—the difference between birth and death rates—remains relatively high compared to many of its Pacific neighbors. As of recent estimates, Vanuatu’s RNI is around 2.2% per year, reflecting a high birth rate and a moderate death rate. This rate is somewhat higher than that of Fiji, which has an RNI closer to 1.0%, due to Fiji’s lower birth rates and higher emigration. In contrast, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu’s close neighbor, has an RNI similar to Vanuatu’s, at about 2.3%, reflecting similar demographic patterns. Meanwhile, New Caledonia, a French territory nearby, has a much lower RNI, under 1%, due to lower fertility rates and a more developed healthcare system. Thus, Vanuatu’s population is growing rapidly by natural increase, in line with other Melanesian nations, but at a faster rate than more developed or urbanized Pacific neighbors.

Data from US Census International Database