Vanuatu: The World's Most At-Risk Country

Vanuatu's Risk Profile

• Vanuatu is ranked the world's most at-risk country for natural hazards, per the UN University World Risk Index.
• Fourth consecutive year topping the WorldRiskReport, highlighting long-term vulnerability.
• In 2014, Vanuatu's risk was measured at 36.5%, significantly higher than the Philippines (28.3%) and Tonga (28.2%).
• Global comparison shows Germany at 147th position with a risk of 3%, and Qatar as the least at-risk country with only 0.08%.

Natural Disaster Exposure

• Vanuatu experiences an average of 90,000 earthquakes annually, exposing a significant portion of its population.
• Nearly 64% of Vanuatu’s citizens face natural hazards every year, compared to 55% in Tonga.
• Future risks from rising sea levels are projected to threaten about 30,000 residents.
• Natural events, such as earthquakes and storms, affect the entire nation due to its small geographical size.

Coping Capacities

• Vanuatu scores 81% on the coping capacities index, indicating limited ability to respond effectively in crisis.
• Comparison with other nations shows Haiti at 91% and Afghanistan at 94%, both exhibiting poorer coping capabilities.
• Factors contributing to low coping measures include government inefficiency, corruption, and poor governance.
• The capacity to respond to disasters is affected by infrastructure challenges, such as unresponsive emergency services across its 65 inhabited islands.

Unique Challenges

• Natural hazards affect Vanuatu more severely than in larger nations, where impacts are often localized.
• Storms impact the entire nation simultaneously, whereas larger countries may have regions that remain unaffected.
• The geographical setting, including Mount Yasur and tectonic activity, contributes to the persistent risk of disasters.

Vanuatu's Risk Profile

• Vanuatu is ranked the world's most at-risk country for natural hazards, per the UN University World Risk Index.
• Fourth consecutive year topping the WorldRiskReport, highlighting long-term vulnerability.
• In 2014, Vanuatu's risk was measured at 36.5%, significantly higher than the Philippines (28.3%) and Tonga (28.2%).
• Global comparison shows Germany at 147th position with a risk of 3%, and Qatar as the least at-risk country with only 0.08%.

Natural Disaster Exposure

• Vanuatu experiences an average of 90,000 earthquakes annually, exposing a significant portion of its population.
• Nearly 64% of Vanuatu’s citizens face natural hazards every year, compared to 55% in Tonga.
• Future risks from rising sea levels are projected to threaten about 30,000 residents.
• Natural events, such as earthquakes and storms, affect the entire nation due to its small geographical size.

Coping Capacities

• Vanuatu scores 81% on the coping capacities index, indicating limited ability to respond effectively in crisis.
• Comparison with other nations shows Haiti at 91% and Afghanistan at 94%, both exhibiting poorer coping capabilities.
• Factors contributing to low coping measures include government inefficiency, corruption, and poor governance.
• The capacity to respond to disasters is affected by infrastructure challenges, such as unresponsive emergency services across its 65 inhabited islands.

Unique Challenges

• Natural hazards affect Vanuatu more severely than in larger nations, where impacts are often localized.
• Storms impact the entire nation simultaneously, whereas larger countries may have regions that remain unaffected.
• The geographical setting, including Mount Yasur and tectonic activity, contributes to the persistent risk of disasters.

Discover why Vanuatu is classified as the most at-risk country for natural hazards according to the UN University World Risk Index. The factors contributing to this risk range from storms and earthquakes to volcanic eruptions and tsunamis. This quiz delves into the challenges faced by Vanuatu in terms of disaster preparedness and management.