Image: Vanuatu Tourism Office change. It has a narrowly based economy and relatively few natural resources apart from agricultural products and fish. It is also facing a number of social pressures resulting from a rapidly growing youth population, land issues, and a growth in the number of foreigners engaged in businesses, in competition with local people. Political instability and poor governance have held the country back, although these issues are being addressed. Vanuatu’s greatest asset is its people resourceful and resilient, still drawing strength from traditional knowledge and practices. Vanuatu has a number of strengths not shared by many countries. Traditional values of kastom continue to underpin society. Chiefs and communities continue to play an important role in enforcing the rule of law and standards in rural areas, and, along with the Churches, maintain an impressive level of social cohesion in such a diverse nation of far-lung islands. Vanuatu is a safe and happy place, where people have the freedom and choice to enjoy our way of life and pursue our interests. As a small democratic country Vanuatu is receptive to adopting new ideas, to becoming more open, and to engaging actively internationally. Law and order is relatively good, despite shortcomings in the security services, and despite the growing challenge of cyber and financial crimes, and transnational crime more generally. Levels of violent crime, with the major exception of domestic violence, are low. Civil disturbances have been relatively infrequent, at least in recent years. Foreign incursions or aggression remain highly unlikely, although border security more generally is a major and growing challenge as organised crime becomes more widespread and sophisticated. The prelude to independence in 1980 was a difficult time. Papua New Guinean troops played an important role in putting down the revolt in Santo, the first and only insurrection experienced by Vanuatu. 19