New Caledonia

New Caledonia, French island with dependencies, forming a French overseas island territory in the southwest Pacific about 1,115 mi (1,794 km) east of Australia. New Caledonia island is the largest; its dependencies are the Loyalty Islands, the Isle of Pines, Walpole Island, and Huon, Chesterfield, and Belep islands. The territory is administered from New Caldeonia island by a governor with a 5-person council and popularly elected Territorial Assembly. A deputy and senator are elected to the French Parliament.

Land and climate

Altogether, the New Caledonia territory covers 8,548 sq mi (22,139 sq km). New Caledonia island covers 6,530 sq mi (16,913 sq km). It is volcanic, long, narrow, and mountainous. Trade winds moderate the climate. The annual rainfall at Nouméa is 42 in (106 cm).

People

The population includes a majority of Melanesians, with Europeans (mainly French), Polynesians, Vietnamese, and Indonesians. About half the population lives in Nouméa, on New Caldeonia, the territorial capital and chief harbor.

Economy

Resources of nickel, chromium, iron ore, cobalt, manganese, silver, gold, lead, and copper make mining the chief industry. Nickel-smelting plants are at Nouméa, Yaté, and Doniambo. Coffee, copra, bananas, and pineapples are grown for export. Food crops include corn, sweet potatoes, taro, and manoic (cassava). A cattle industry and meat-packing plant thrive.

History

Melanesians (Kanaks) may have inhabited New Caledonia island for over 4,000 years. It was discovered by the English navigator Captain James Cook in 1774. Along with the other islands, it was annexed by France in 1853 and used as a penal colony (1864–94). In World War II, it was a strategic Allied base. Conflicts between France and native groups resulted in a treaty (1988) promising a referendum on independence in 1998.