Overview of Wallis and Futuna

Profile

Wallis and Futuna is a French overseas collectivity consisting of three islands: Wallis Islands (Uvea Island) and Futuna Islands (Futuna Island and Alofi Island). The population is just over 10,000, mostly occupied by Polynesian residents. It features rich lagoons, volcanic green topography, and devout religious culture centered on Catholicism. The official language is French, but Wallisian and Futunan are widely used in daily life. The main industries are copra production and fishing, with an economic structure heavily dependent on subsidies from the mainland. Although transportation access is limited, it offers the opportunity to experience untouched nature and traditional culture.

Official name: Territory of Wallis and Futuna (French Territory of Wallis and Futuna)
Common name: Wallis and Futuna
Numeric code: 876
Alpha-3 code: WLF
Alpha-2 code: WF
Population: Approximately 11,200 (2022)
Population density: Approximately 79
Primary languages: French, Wallisian, Futunan
Major religions: Christianity (Catholic)
National anthem: La Marseillaise (French National Anthem)
Calling code: +681
Internet TLD: .wf

History

Polynesians have lived there since ancient times, becoming a French protectorate in 1888, transitioning to overseas territory in 1961, and to overseas collectivity in 2003.

The islands were under Tongan Kingdom influence from the 12th to 16th centuries, and fortress ruins remain today. European ships visited from the 17th century onwards, and French influence expanded with the arrival of Catholic missionaries in 1837. In 1888, the three kingdoms signed a protection treaty and were placed under the jurisdiction of the New Caledonia Governor-General. Formally annexed to France in 1917, it gained overseas territory status through a referendum in 1961. Since 2003, it has maintained a high degree of autonomy as a French overseas collectivity (Collectivité d'outre-mer) under the French Constitution, while the traditional three-kingdom system also coexists.

Geography & climate

Characterized by rugged main island formed by volcanic activity and lagoons surrounded by coral reefs. Uvea Island is a lava plateau, while both Futuna and Alofi Islands have many steep mountains and cliffs.

Tropical Rainforest Climate (Af)

Area: Oceania / 142 km²
Capital: Mata-Utu
Largest city: Mata-Utu
Coastal status: Yes
Major lakes: Lake Lalolalo

Natural resources

Coconut forests, Lagoon coral reefs, Fishing grounds (tuna, bonito), Forest resources, Groundwater, Volcanic fertile soil, Landscape resources, Large marine life like mantas and sharks, Traditional medicinal plant resources, Vanilla cultivation areas

Politics

Government: Overseas Collectivity of the French Republic (Collectivité d'outre-mer)

Economy

Currency: CFP Franc (XPF)

GDP (nominal): 0.188 billion USD (2018)

GDP (PPP):

Language & timezone

Primary languages: French, Wallisian, Futunan

Time zone: Wallis and Futuna Time (Pacific/Wallis)

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Wallisian Polynesian, Futunan Polynesian, French, Tahitian immigrants, Vanuatu immigrants

Life expectancy

Approximately 79 years

Literacy rate

Approximately 99%

National sports

Rugby, Soccer, Volleyball, Canoe racing, Pétanque