Sa in Vanuatu

The Sa have only been reported in Vanuatu
Population
Main Language
Sa
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

Sa is an indigenous Melanesian people of Vanuatu, living mainly on Pentecost Island and speaking the Sa (Saa) language, an Austronesian tongue with several dialects. Mission contact in the 19th–20th centuries led to widespread Christian influence, though traditional identity remains strong.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Life is largely rural and subsistence-based, centered on gardening (yams, taro), fishing, and small livestock. Extended families and village chiefs shape social order. Cultural life includes kava drinking, storytelling, and seasonal ceremonies tied to agriculture. Food is simple—root crops, fish, and occasional meat during feasts.


What Are Their Beliefs?

Most Sa identify as Christian, primarily Catholic, reflecting mission influence. However, elements of traditional belief—such as respect for ancestral spirits, "mana," and taboos—often persist alongside Christianity.


What Are Their Needs?

Greater biblical depth is needed so faith moves beyond nominal Christianity into personal discipleship. Local leaders would benefit from stronger theological training and Scripture access in heart language. Economic vulnerability and isolation limit education and healthcare opportunities.


Prayer Items

Pray for Spirit-led revival and genuine faith in Christ.
Pray for Sa Christians to boldly share the Gospel with their own people and beyond.
Pray for trained local pastors that will lead their churches and community for God's glory.
Pray asking God to strengthen families.
Pray for improved access to education, health services, and sustainable livelihoods.
Pray for the faithful translation and wide distribution of the Scriptures, evangelism materials, and discipleship resources in the Sa language.


Scripture Prayers for the Sa in Vanuatu.


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Sa
People Name in Country Sa
Alternate Names South Raga
Population this Country 4,400
Population all Countries 4,400
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale Progress Gauge
Unreached No
Frontier No
GSEC 5  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed
PeopleID3 14614
ROP3 Code 108473
Country Vanuatu
Region Australia and Pacific
Continent Oceania
10/40 Window No
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country Penama province: south Raga island.   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Country Vanuatu
Region Australia and Pacific
Continent Oceania
10/40 Window No
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country Penama province: south Raga island..   Source:  Ethnologue 2016

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Primary Religion: Christianity
Major Religion Estimated Percent
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity
96.00 %
Ethnic Religions
4.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Sa (4,400 speakers)
Language Code sax   Ethnologue Listing
Written / Published Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Sa (4,400 speakers)
Language Code sax   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Sa

Primary Language:  Sa

Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible-Portions Yes  (2016)
Bible-New Testament No
Bible-Complete No
Possible Print Bibles
Amazon
World Bibles
Forum Bible Agencies
National Bible Societies
World Bible Finder
Virtual Storehouse
Resource Type Resource Name Source
Audio Recordings Audio Bible teaching Global Recordings Network
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.