Trivia in Wallis and Futuna

National symbols

Flag: A flag with the French flag in the red canton and a white-bordered red Saint Andrew's cross

Emblem: A coat of arms depicting a Lava-lava (ceremonial canoe) and Catholic cross on a silver shield

Trivia & facts

• About 99% of islanders are Catholic, with Sunday mass attendance rates highest among French overseas territories.
• Car license plates are very simple with only three digits.
• The time difference with mainland France can be up to 14 hours considering daylight saving time.
• In Wallisian, 'Ia oe?' means 'How are you?'
• Mata-Utu Cathedral uses Tahitian black pearls in its decorations.
• Road signs use the metric system, but residents sometimes express distance by canoe travel time.
• Wi-Fi is fastest in front of the post office and bank on the island.
• In 1993, an M6.2 earthquake struck Futuna Island, slightly changing the island's topography.
• Vanilla cultivation was introduced by missionaries in the 19th century and continues at the home garden level today.
• The traditional Wallis house 'Fale Foi' is built without using a single nail.