New Caledonia

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Country Info

Country Details
Land Area 18,575 sq km Population 209222
Capital City Noumea People Melanesian 42.5%, European 37.1%, Wallisian 8.4%, Polynesian 3.8%, Indonesian 3.6%, Vietnamese 1.6%, other 3%
Language French (official), 33 Melanesian-Polynesian dialects Religion Roman Catholic 60%, Protestant 30%, other 10%
Government Type NA Life Expectancy 73.02 years
HIV/AIDS Rate NA% GNP per Capita $15,000
Currency Comptoirs Francais du Pacifique franc (XPF) Major Exports ferronickels, nickel ore, fish
National Holiday Bastille Day, 14 July (1789) Dialing Code 687
Electricity 220V Malaria Risk
Water Quality Inoculations Paratyphiod, Typhiod, Yellow Fever
Crime Driving License
Photography Entry Regs
Time Zone    

Background

Settled by both Britain and France during the first half of the 19th century, the island was made a French possession in 1853. It served as a penal colony for four decades after 1864. Agitation for independence during the 1980s and early 1990s has dissipated.

Embassy & Tourism Information

Embassy and Tourism table of information
New Caledonia Tourist Information

Map of New Caledonia

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