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Glite Dictionary
Republic of Vanuatu

Republic of Vanuatu

6.5
A volcanic island country in the South Pacific independent since 1980
  • proper noun
translation icon : República de Vanuatu
  • The Republic of Vanuatu gained its independence from joint British and French colonial rule in 1980.

Examples

  • Tourists are drawn to the natural beauty and diverse cultures of the Republic of Vanuatu.

  • The Republic of Vanuatu is famous for its vibrant coral reefs and rich cultural heritage.

  • Diplomatic relations between Australia and the Republic of Vanuatu have strengthened in recent years.

  • The Republic of Vanuatu is known for its stunning beaches.

  • Did you know that the Republic of Vanuatu has over 80 islands?

  • The Republic of Vanuatu is a stunning destination for travelers exploring the South Pacific.

  • In 1980, the Republic of Vanuatu became an independent nation after years of colonial rule.

Synonyms

Vanuatu
vsRepublic of Vanuatu
3 5.7

A country made of many islands in the South Pacific

serves as the official republican name rather than the common country label
New Hebrides
vsRepublic of Vanuatu
  • Literature
8.5

A former name for the island group now called Vanuatu in the southwest Pacific

is the current official name adopted after independence in 1980

Surface Forms

Republic of Vanuatu main

Morphology

republic + of + Vanuatu

The phrase directly names the country and its polity: someone who knows 'republic' and the proper name 'Vanuatu' can infer this is the republic/state called Vanuatu. This noun-of-proper-name pattern is cross-linguistically common for country names, so a B1 learner knowing the constituents will readily understand the meaning.

Etymology

Republic of Vanuatu comes from the local word Vanuatu, made from vanua, meaning 'land', and tu, meaning 'to stand'. This gives the picture of 'a land that stands by itself', which fits because the country became a republic and gained independence in 1980.