Anatom (more commonly spelled Aneityum, and sometimes also Kéamu) is the southernmost inhabited island of Vanuatu. It's origins are volcanic and the landscape mountainous. Rich volcanic soils and a slightly more temperate climate encouraged the growth of magnificent stands of sandalwood trees. The island contains 84 species or orchid, and some remaining sandalwood trees, which escaped logging in 1800's and 1900's.

Petroglyphs are found on rocks scattered around the island. They show representations of sun, moon, stars, people, birds, fish, and geometrical designs.

It has a current estimated population of 550. It is believed to have had a population of possibly as large as 12,000 prior to the arrival of the Europeans in 1793. Introduced diseases and blackbirding are believed to have been the major factors in the depopulation.

The island was the first centre of the Presbyterian church and the haunting remains of the once largest missionary church in the Southern Hemisphere now stand in ruins. Built by Rev. John Geddie, the first Presbyterian missionary to establish himself in Vanuatu, the stone church was designed to seat 1,000 people. During his mission the Reverend Geddie managed to convert around two thirds of the islands population (around 3,500 at that time).

The island is surrounded by coral reefs and beaches.

The modern Aneityum has few buildings and no cars apart from the few vehicles of the kauri replanting forestry project. It is ideal for the keen bush walker, with a 50km walking trail around the island. The flora of Aneityum is more like that of Australia than Vanuatu due to its southern latitude. Several waterfalls and hot springs can also be visited.

The island is surrounded by live coral reefs offering excellent snorkelling. Beautiful white sandy beaches stud the embayments, adding to it's natural charm.

The only airport is not on the island itself, but the much smaller nearby Inyeug Island. Vanair services the island twice weekly from Port Vila and Tanna.

Inyeug is periodically visited by several hundred tourists arriving on cruise ships, for it is the famous "Mystery Island" , reached by launch from cruise ships anchoring inside the magnificent turquoise waters between Inyeug and the mainland.

It is an exceptionally peaceful place to stay with two basic rooms and toilets outside. No meals are provided and food cannot be readily purchased so you need to provision in Tanna before arriving. Fresh water must be brought from Aneityum to Inyeug so anyone wishing to stay here must be well provisioned and must pre-book before going.

The main language of Anatom is called Aneityumese or Anejom. It is considered to constitute its own branch of the South Vanuatu languages.