Vanuatu is an independent republic consisting of more than 80 islands in the south-western Pacific Ocean, located about 5600 km (about 3500 mi) southwest of Hawaii and about 2400 km (about 1500 mi) northeast of Australia. From the late 19th century until independence in 1980, Vanuatu (then called the New Hebrides) was governed jointly by France and Britain. The capital and largest city is Port-Vila, located on the island of Éfaté.