Pacific Island Countries represent a diverse group of countries, but they are often referred to as being among the most vulnerable in the world. This reflects both their considerable exposure to the effects of natural hazards and economic shocks as well as their limited ability to manage them.

This paper examines the vulnerability and resilience of Pacific Island Countries to shock at a national level before presenting the findings of research conducted at the household level in two Melanesian countries: Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. It includes discussion on the gendered impacts of household shocks.