Pray for Vanuatu
An active volcano on Tanna Island, in southern Vanuatu.
Photo: Rolf Cosar, CC BY 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons.
About Vanuatu
The capital is Port Vila. People speak Bislama, English, French and over 100 local languages. The largest faith is Christianity.
Source: Wikipedia, with the cited sources it lists.
Prayer briefing for Vanuatu
Last updated November 2026. Facts come from the sources listed below.
Current events
Parliament resumed in early November for its ordinary session. On 3 November nine opposition MPs, led by Opposition Leader Ishmael Kalsakau, lodged a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Jotham Napat. The Speaker, Felix Stephen, ruled that it meets the constitutional requirements, and it is due to be debated on Monday 9 November. The government says it still holds a majority. Rebuilding continues after the major earthquake that struck Port Vila in December 2024.
We pray for: Immediate relief, safety and urgent help.
Leadership and politics
Vanuatu is a parliamentary republic. The President is Nikenike Vurobaravu, whose first term ends in July 2027, and the Prime Minister is Jotham Napat, who has led a five-party coalition since February 2025. He is the fifth prime minister in five years, survived a no-confidence motion in December 2025, and faces a new motion due for debate on 9 November 2026.
We pray for: Wisdom, integrity and justice for those in authority.
Economic health
The IMF reported growth of only about 0.9% in 2024 and projected about 2.8% for 2026 as rebuilding goes on. Inflation has been low, at about 1 to 2%. Income from selling citizenship is falling, and the future of the national airline and the cost of natural disasters weigh on families and the budget.
We pray for: Provision for families and honest stewardship.
Social and cultural issues
Vanuatu has more than 100 local languages, with Bislama as the common tongue, and chiefs and custom play a strong role in community life. There has been public debate about women in leadership, including over the appointment in July of the first woman to lead the Melanesian Spearhead Group Secretariat. Communities on remote islands are often the most exposed to disasters.
We pray for: Reconciliation, peace and protection of the vulnerable.
Spiritual landscape
About 82% of people are Christian, according to the 2009 census. The largest churches are Presbyterian (about 28%), Anglican (about 15%), Catholic (about 12%) and Seventh-day Adventist (about 12%). About 3% follow the John Frum movement on Tanna, and smaller communities include Baha'is, Buddhists and Muslims.
We pray for: Spiritual awakening, hope and the spread of truth.
Religious freedom
The constitution protects religious and traditional beliefs and refers to faith in God and Christian principles, but there is no state religion. The US State Department reports close ties between the government and the main churches, and some minority groups have asked to be included in national events. In rural areas, new religious groups usually need agreement from the chief and community.
We pray for: Protection for believers and freedom to worship safely.
Historical wounds
From the 1860s many Ni-Vanuatu men were taken to work on plantations abroad, a trade known as blackbirding, and the population fell sharply. Britain and France ruled jointly from 1906, leaving Ni-Vanuatu without citizenship. Independence came on 30 July 1980, after a brief uprising on Espiritu Santo.
We pray for: National healing, breaking old cycles and deep forgiveness.
Let us pray together
Our Father, we come to You together for Vanuatu. Bring strength to families still rebuilding after the earthquake. Give wisdom, integrity and justice to the President, the Prime Minister and every member of Parliament, and grant steady leadership. Provide for every household and guide honest care of the nation. Bring peace between communities, honour the gifts of women and men alike, and protect those on remote islands. Let Your truth and hope be known in every church and village. Keep believers free to worship safely, heal the old wounds of blackbirding and colonial rule, and lead Vanuatu in forgiveness and peace. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Sources
- PINA / Vanuatu Daily Post: Vanuatu no-confidence motion lodged (Nov 2026)
- PINA: Vanuatu Parliament to debate no-confidence motion on Monday (Nov 2026)
- PINA: Vanuatu Opposition lodges no-confidence motion against PM (Nov 2026)
- Devpolicy: one year on, Vanuatu legislature (Jan 2026)
- IMF: 2025 Article IV consultation with Vanuatu (Sept 2025)
- US State Department: 2020 International Religious Freedom Report, Vanuatu (2021)
- Wikipedia: Vanuatu, history, languages and leaders (Oct 2026)
More ways to pray
PrayerCast shares short prayer videos for the nations. Watch its video for Vanuatu and pray along.
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