Vanuatu is a country of over 80 lush green volcanic islands in the South Pacific. It was formerly known as the New Hebrides, but since independance in 1980 is now the Republic of Vanuatu. The islands are situated about halfway between Papua New Guinea and Fiji, just south of the Soloman Islands and are home to about 250,000 people.

Most of the population depend on their own gardens and farms for their livelihood. Vanuatu exports some fish, beef, copra, cocoa, kava, timber, and coffee, but its economy depends mostly on tourism and foreign aid.

Tanna is a volcanic island in the southern part of Vanuatu. It is 40 km (25 mi) long and 19 km (12 mi) wide, with a total area of 550 km (212 sq mi). Its highest point is the 1,084 m (3,556 ft) summit of Mount Tukosmera. It is the most populated island in Tafea province, with a population of about 35,000, and one of the more populous islands in the country. Isangel, the provincial administrative capital, is on the west coast near the island's largest town of Lenakel, the location of the hospital and doctor. Mount Yasur is the most accessible active volcano in the world, located on the southeast coast.

The people of Tanna have retained much of their original custom and culture (kastom). They follow a more traditional lifestyle than many other islands. Some of the villages are known as kastom villages, where modern inventions are restricted, the men wear nothing but penis sheaths (Bislama: namba), the women wear only grass skirts and a way of life similar to that before the arrival of missionaries is preserved.

There are five local languages spoken on Tanna but most people speak at least one of the three official languages of Vanuatu which are English, French and Bislama (a form of pidgin English).

The island is one of the most fertile in Vanuatu and produces kava, coffee, and many fruits and vegetables. Recently, tourism has become more important, as tourists are attracted to the volcano, traditional culture, and beach resorts.

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