Definition

Proper noun A former name for the Republic of Vanuatu, a volcanic island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean, in the region of Melanesia. The name specifically refers to the period when the islands were governed as a unique Anglo-French condominium, a joint colonial administration by the United Kingdom and France, before gaining full independence in 1980.

Usage

The term "New Hebrides" is used historically to refer to the archipelago and its political entity prior to 1980. * The anthropological study focused on the customs of the islands during the New Hebrides condominium period. * Many historical maps label this Pacific nation as the New Hebrides.

Advanced Usage

• The term is primarily used in historical, geographical, or political contexts when discussing the colonial era of Vanuatu.
• It can be used attributively to describe institutions or features from that period (e.g., New Hebrides administration, New Hebrides stamps).

Variants and Related Words

• Vanuatu (Proper noun): The contemporary and official name of the independent nation, which replaced "New Hebrides" in 1980.
• Condominium (Noun): The form of joint sovereignty exercised by Britain and France over the New Hebrides.

Synonyms

• (The) Condominium (when used historically to refer to the political entity)
• Vanuatu (in all contemporary contexts; note that this is the modern name, not a direct synonym for the historical term)

Noun

1. a volcanic island republic in Melanesia; independent since 1980