How did the 2020 census record religious affiliation in Vanuatu?

The census recorded about 83.4% of private-household members in major Christian affiliations, including Presbyterian, Seventh-day Adventist, Catholic and Anglican or Church of Melanesia communities. It also recorded customary beliefs, no religion and 88 categories within the broader other-affiliation group, and answering the religion question was not compulsory.

What legal protection does religious freedom have in Vanuatu?

The Constitution protects freedom of conscience and worship and prohibits discrimination based on religious or traditional beliefs. Vanuatu has no official state religion, although religious practice remains subject to the rights of others, the public interest and applicable law.

How does a religious body register formally in Vanuatu?

The Ministry of Internal Affairs handles religious-body registration. A 2023 official report stated that a religious body must apply for a certificate, pay 1,000 VT and may face a maximum fine of 50,000 VT for the stated breach; the current extent of enforcement was not identified.

Religion in Vanuatu

Q: Which public holidays with a religious basis are observed in Vanuatu?

The national public holidays with a religious basis include Good Friday, Easter Monday, Ascension Day, Assumption Day and Christmas Day. In 2026 they fall on 3 April, 6 April, 14 May, 15 August and 25 December, with Easter-related dates changing annually.

Q: What does a religious marriage require for registration in Vanuatu?

The couple generally needs the prescribed form, identity documents or birth certificates, notices, a Calling of Bans and a Religious Certificate of Marriage. The minister must be registered, and the marriage should be registered within 30 days; the first registration is free for citizens.

Religion in Vanuatu is shaped mainly by Christian communities, alongside customary beliefs and smaller faith communities. The 2020 census recorded about 83.4% of private-household members in major Christian affiliations, while customary beliefs, no religion and other categories were also reported. Vanuatu protects freedom of conscience and worship, has no official state religion, and connects religious life with education, public holidays and marriage registration.

Tip

Treat religion in Vanuatu as both a personal choice and a local access question. If you are choosing worship or religious education, compare the available congregation or institution on your island rather than relying on national figures. If you are organizing a religious body or marriage, complete the formal registration steps because missing them can affect legal recognition, identity records and related benefits.

byRuth&Tari

Christian communities are the largest religious presence in Vanuatu. The 2020 census recorded Presbyterian affiliation at 27.2% with 80,060 people, Seventh-day Adventist at 14.8% with 43,541, Catholic at 12.1% with 35,602, Anglican or Church of Melanesia at 12.0% with 35,339, Church of Christ at 5.0% with 14,588, Assemblies of God at 4.9% with 14,450, Neil Thomas Ministry at 3.2% with 9,515, Apostolic at 2.3% with 6,894 and Latter-day Saints at 1.8% with 5,174. The census also recorded customary beliefs at 3.1% with 9,080 people, no religion at 1.4% with 4,023 people and other affiliations at about 12.0% with 35,270 people; the other category included 88 religious categories. The census covered 293,963 private-household members, and answering the religion question was not compulsory. People in Vanuatu may choose Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Baha'i, customary beliefs or no religion. Customary beliefs are distinct beliefs that may also connect religious practice with kastom, the local term for customary ways and practices. Access to a congregation, worship site or religious service varies by denomination and island. No nationally fixed fees for worship or religious rites were identified. The Constitution refers in its preamble to traditional Melanesian values, faith in God and Christian principles. It does not establish an official state religion. Article 5 protects against discrimination based on religious or traditional beliefs and protects freedom of conscience and worship. Religious practice remains subject to the rights of other people, the public interest and applicable law. The Vanuatu Christian Council, or VCC, is an interdenominational umbrella body that supports coordination among Christian churches. The Ministry of Internal Affairs is the relevant government body for religious-body registration. A 2023 official report stated that religious bodies must apply for a certificate, with a fee of 1,000 VT and a maximum fine of 50,000 VT for the stated breach. The current extent of enforcement was not identified. The VCC and the Ministry of Internal Affairs are also central points for public contact between religious organizations and the state. Prayer meetings in ministries have been documented, while the inclusion of minority faiths in national celebrations remains a recurring dialogue issue. The Education Act 2014 does not allow admission or educational disadvantage because of religion. Schools may provide religious instruction, but a parent can request an exemption for a child. The Ministry of Education and Training's School Registration Policy 2025 formally recognizes education authorities connected with the Anglican Church of Melanesia, Apostolic, Assemblies of God, Baha'i, Catholic, Church of Christ, Fédération de l’Enseignement Libre Protestant, Freedom, Presbyterian and Seventh-day Adventist communities. Access to religiously affiliated education therefore depends on a registered school and its local availability. Public holidays with a religious basis include Good Friday, Easter Monday, Ascension Day, Assumption Day and Christmas Day. In 2026 these fall on 3 April, 6 April, 14 May, 15 August and 25 December. The dates of Easter-related holidays change each year. Religious observance is not measured by a current nationally uniform frequency survey, although Christian worship and community practice are widespread. Religious marriage is one of the marriage forms recognized by the Civil Registry and Identity Management authority, or CRIM, alongside civil, virtual and custom marriage. Registration normally requires the prescribed form, identity documents or birth certificates, notices, a Calling of Bans and a Religious Certificate of Marriage. The minister must be registered following a request from the head of the denomination. Registration should take place within 30 days; the first registration is free for citizens. A registered marriage can affect inheritance, family benefits, pensions and the person's name or identity documents. No separate national religious procedure for birth or death rites was identified.