The sub-prefectures of the department are Bazra-Nattis, Dananon, Dania, Kétro-Bassam, Séitifla, and Vavoua.

Local industries include cocoa, cotton growing, and logging.

In 2011, districts were introduced as new first-level subdivisions of Ivory Coast.

At this time, Vavoua Department remained part of the retained Haut-Sassandra Region in the new Sassandra-Marahoué District.

Vavoua International School, a Christian missionary boarding school run by WEC International, was situated in the department, adjacent to the small village of Bouitafla, until the Second Ivorian Civil War forced its closing.[when?]