New Hebrides
The New Hebrides were a group of islands in the South Pacific, now known as Vanuatu. The archipelago was discovered by Europeans in the 18th century and became a joint British and French colony starting in 1906, with a shared administrative system known as the "condominium." This dual governance system was often complicated and at times conflicted due to the differing interests of the two colonial powers.
During the condominium period, the local population, made up of numerous ethnic groups, suffered the consequences of colonial policies but also developed a mixed culture reflecting British and French influences. The movement for independence gained momentum in the 1970s.
In 1980, the New Hebrides became an independent country, taking the name Vanuatu. Today, Vanuatu is an independent republic known for its natural beauty, beaches, tropical forests, and traditional culture.