Overview of New Caledonia

Profile

Located approximately 1,200km east of Australia in the South Pacific, this island territory features a lagoon designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasting beautiful beaches and diverse marine ecosystems. The economy is anchored by nickel mining, with strong tourism potential. The population forms a multiethnic society centered on indigenous Kanaks, along with French, Wallisian-Futunan, and Asian communities. Since the Nouméa Accord of 1998, political processes regarding independence or continued French affiliation continue.

Official name: New Caledonia (French Sui Generis Collectivity)
Common name: New Caledonia
Numeric code: 540
Alpha-3 code: NCL
Alpha-2 code: NC
Population: 272,000 (2023)
Population density: 15
Primary languages: French
Major religions: Catholic, Protestant
National anthem: La Marseillaise (French national anthem)
Calling code: +687
Internet TLD: .nc

History

Named by James Cook in 1774, annexed by France in 1853. Following use as a penal colony, mining hub, and US military base, autonomy has gradually expanded.

Historically part of the Lapita culture sphere, Kanak society developed independently. French annexation and nickel discovery in the late 19th century complicated demographics. During WWII, it served as a vital Allied base. Post-war indigenous rights movements intensified, leading to bloodshed in the 1980s followed by the 1998 Nouméa Accord establishing high autonomy and gradual power transfer. Referendums in 2018, 2020, and 2021 rejected independence, though debates on indigenous identity and political future persist.

Geography & climate

Main island Grande Terre features north-south mountain range; east is tropical rainforest, west is dry savanna-like red soil. Islands surrounded by world-class lagoon and coral reef.

Tropical monsoon (distinct dry/wet seasons)

Area: Oceania / 18575 km²
Capital: Nouméa
Largest city: Nouméa
Coastal status: Yes

Natural resources

Nickel, Cobalt, Chromium, Manganese, Iron ore, Forest resources, Hydropower, Tourism resources, Coral reefs, Fishing resources, Niaouli oil, Wind power, Silica sand, Copper, Pearl farming

Politics

Government: Sui Generis Collectivity of the French Republic (High Autonomy)

Economy

Currency: CFP Franc (XPF)

GDP (nominal): 98.9 billion USD (2022)

GDP (PPP):

Language & timezone

Primary languages: French

Time zone: New Caledonia Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Kanak, European French, Wallisian-Futunan, Polynesian Tahitian, Asian (Vietnamese, Indonesian, Japanese), Arab (Kabyle)

Life expectancy

77.5 years

Literacy rate

96.9%

National sports

Soccer, Rugby League, Rugby Union, Sailing, Basketball, Canoeing / Outrigger