SOPAC country profile : New Caledonia

Abstract

New Caledonia is an overseas territory of France comprising one main island (Grande Terre) and the Loyalty Islands group (to the east). The total land area of New Caledonia is 18 576 sq km within an Economic Exclusive Zone (EEZ) of 1 740 000 sq km.Geographically, New Caledonia is a continental island with a maximum height of 1 628 m above sea-level.The population of New Caledonia was estimated at212 800 in 19991, with the capital, Nouméa, alone having 120 000 people. The indigenous people of the nation are Melanesians.New Caledonia has a tropical climate with an average annual temperature of 23°C. Rainfall varies from east to west, with an average of 2 000 mm and 1 000 mm respectively. December to March is the wet season and cyclones occur during this period.