Ministry of internal Affairs Compound, independence Park, Port Vila
Mon - Fri 8:00 - 17:00

Provinces

Provinces

There are six Provinces in Vanuatu – Torba, Sanma, Penama, Malampa and Tafea. In 1994, the Government abolished the 11 Local Government Councils (LGC) and reverted to a policy of greater regional autonomy through the
creation of the current provincial system. The six Provinces, each covering a group of islands, together with three Municipal Councils. The provinces play a crucial role in local governance and development. They are responsible for
implementing national policies at the local level, promoting economic and social development, and ensuring the provision of essential services such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Each province facilitates community
engagement, supports respective Area Councils, and manages resources to meet the unique needs of their communities.

Each provinces have a Provincial Government council that is responsible for local governance and administration. Each council consist of elected representatives as councilors and the number of each provinces varies depending
on the provinces size and population. Each respective council is headed by a President who is elected by the council members. The president oversees the council meetings and represents the provinces in national matters.

There are five DLA seconded staff serving in each 6 Provinces. The Secretary Generals (SG) are the chief executive officers at the Provincial level and are responsible to administer all Government and Non-government services
within each respective Provinces and the day-to-day operations of the Provincial Government Councils (PGC). The office of SG is supported by an Assistant Secretary General, Provincial Planner, Accountant and Treasurer
and PGC staff that are recruited by the council.

Province Fact Sheet

Name of Provinces

Flag

Islands

Location of Head Quarter

No. of Councilors

No. of Area Councils

Provincial Days

Provincial Flag Meanings

Torba

  • Banks Islands
  • Torres Group

Sola - Vanua Lava

7

9

2nd October

 

Sanma

  • Santo
  • Malo
  • Aore

Luganville - Santo

18

11

23rd September

 

Penama

  • Pentecost
  • Ambae
  • Maewo

Saratamata - East Ambae

16

10

16th September

 

Malampa

  • Malekula
  • Ambrym
  • Paama

Lakatoro - Central Malekula

21

10

10th October

 

Shefa

  • Shepherds Islands
  • Epi
  • Efate

Port Vila - Efate

17

19

18th June

 

Tafea

  • Tanna
  • Aneityum
  • Futuna
  • Erromango
  • Aniwa

Isangel - West Tanna

19

12

8th October

 

  1. The Provincial Anthems can be Downloaded Below.
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