Geography  

New Caledonia lies in the Pacific Ocean, south of Melanesia. It is 2 hours flying time from Australia, 2 ½ hours from New Zealand, 9 hours from Japan, 14 hours from Los Angeles and 21 hours from France.

New caledonia is the third largest archipelago in the Pacific after Papua New Guinea and New Zealand.

The Mainland, which is the most populated area and wealthiest of the New Caledonian archipelago, features the spectacular central mountain range « la Chaîne » along its entire length, a succession of High mountains with the highest being Mount in the north (1,629m) and Mount Humboldt in the south (1,618m).

High up in these mountains are fertile forests which are home to many unique species that are found nowhere else in the world.

The central mountain chain forms a backbone which divides the Main Island in two very distinctive regions: The East Coast is open to the prevailing trade winds and therefore more humid. It is a lush, fertile and exotic coast, with verdant valleys, impressive waterfalls, many rivers flowing through large estuaries to reach the sea, tropical vegetation … and the traditional Melanesian huts, seen all alongside the roads, standing as true evidence of a living culture.

The West Coast has a drier and temperate climate.  There are certainly less coconut trees, but the niaouli tree flourishes everywhere and there is a very high percentage of endemic plants.  It’s the land of wide open spaces and livestock. A rural world of agriculture, enhanced by the “Broussards”, whose lives move around the pace of their cattle.  Crossed by many creeks and rivers which flow from the central mountain chain, this coast also possesses many beautiful beaches.

History

The first humans to settle in New Caledonia arrived around 1,500 to 2,000 years ago, bringing with them their Melanesian languages and cultures. In 1774… James Cook discovered a large Island as his ship, The Resolution, made its way to New Zealand. He christened this land « New Caledonia » and spent some time in Balade, where he came into contact with Melanesian tribes. In 1853, under the reign of Napoleaon III, France took possession of the Island, by the déclaration of Admiral Febvrier-Despointes.

At the sametime, the discovery of substantial mineral deposits promised exciting future development possibilities. The mining of copper, cobalt and nickel contributed significantly to the growth of New Caledonia’s economy. From 1864 to 1894, some 22,000 convicts were sent to New Caledonia’s convict settlement. In 1894, Governor Feillet transformed the island into a voluntary immigration colony where, under contract, Malabar Indians, Vietnamese and Javanese workers arrived to provide labour for the first mines. This period was responsible for the great ethnic diversity you will find in New Caledonia’s population today.

The Second World War marked a turning point in the history of New Caledonia. It played a strategically important part in the Pacific conflict and at the same time opened itself up

to the modern world. The Territory also experienced significant growth and consumerism through the American G.I.s who were posted to New Caledonia. From 1968 to 1972, the nickel “Boom” transformed New Caledonia into a very prosperous country.

The 1980s was a difficult period in the Territory’s history with the “events” resulting in the Matignon Accords, signed in November 1988 (by the MP for New Caledonia, Jacques Lafleur, Jean-Marie Tjibaou and the French Prime Minister). Since this time, New Caledonia has experienced strong economic growth. In 1998, in a referendum which took

place on the 8th of November, New Caledonians approved the signing of the Nouméa Accords which established a stability pact for the next twenty years as well as providing for

greater autonomy for New Caledonia within the French Republic.

Climate

New Caledonia has been described as “the land of eternal spring” as it is blessed with a pleasant semi-tropical climate all year round. The rainy season runs from January to March and, according to statistics, February has the greatest rainfall. During the cool season (July, August), temperatures vary from 20 to 26 degrees celsius.

Population

Estimated at 230,268 inhabitants in 2004, 40% of whom live in the capital Nouméa, the New Caledonian population is a diverse multi-cultural society comprising Melanesians, Europeans, Polynesians, Indonesians, Vietnamese, Japanese and Chinese.

Passport and visa requirements

French nationals must present a current passport. The identity card is insufficient due to stopovers in other countries. No visa is required for EEC passport holders or nationals from the United States, New Zealand or Australia when the stay is for three months or less. Visitors of other nationalities can obtain the necessary information from the French Embassy in their country of residence. A “Carte de Séjour” or resident status in France is not enough to stay in New Caledonia. In these instances, you must have a visa.

Health

New Caledonia has a good and modern medical infrastructure. There are many hospital centres and dispensaries. Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required when coming in the country for travellers who come from an endemic area. Tourists are strongly advised to have their regular vaccinations up to date (diptheria, tetanos, polio). For more information, please contact your doctor.

Clothing

Light, practical clothing can be worn all year round. Long sleeves are recommended

for the cooler evenings from May to October. Reef shoes or an old pair of sports shoes should be included for island walks. In Melanesian areas, topless and nude bathing are forbidden on beaches, especially on the Isle of Pines and in the Loyalty Islands. Elsewhere, suitable attire is preferred.

Water and electricity

Tap water is drinkable and of excellent quality. Local or imported minéral water can be purchased in shops, hotels and when eating out.

The electric current is 220 volts and distributed throughout the Mainland and in the islands. In some isolated regions, generators provide electricty to villages at certain times in the

morning and evening. Electric plugs are the same as those in metropolitan France

Currency

CFP franc (French Pacific Franc). The exchange rate is determined in relation to the Euro. (1,000 FCFP = 8.38 euros / 1 euro = 119,33 FCFP). Changing eurosinto CFP francs is free. ATMs are widely available in the territory.