Introduction to New Caledonia

Quick Overview

Including its dependencies, the Territory of New Caledonia consists of three island groups located approximately 20,000 km from metropolitan France.

Key Facts

• Type of place: French overseas territory.

• Location: 1,400 km east of Australia, in the Coral Sea.

• Latitude/longitude: 21°30' S, 165°30' E.

• Local time: Heure : 12856

• Capital: Nouméa.

• Nature of the state: French territorial collectivity.

• Official language: French.

• Currency: Pacific Franc.

• Population: 282,754 inhabitants (2018).

• Area: 18,575 km².

• Density: 15 inhabitants/km².

• Highest point: Mont Panié (1,628 m).

• Lowest point: sea level.

• Coastline: 2,254 km.

• Driving: on the right.

Tourism

This French territory in the South Pacific boasts one of the world’s most beautiful lagoons and countless stunning beaches. Add to that a sometimes lush natural environment and the still-vibrant Kanak and Caldoche cultures, and the destination has everything to charm visitors.

Generally, New Caledonia attracts both air travelers and, especially, cruise passengers. While around 120,000 visitors arrive by air each year, over 400,000 cruise passengers now disembark annually for a few hours in the archipelago. Though travelers from metropolitan France remain the largest group, many visitors also come from Australia, New Zealand, and Japan.

Travel Essentials

• Destination: for beginner travelers.

• By air: Metropolitan France–Nouméa.

• Entry requirements: passport.

• Currency to bring: euros.

• Exchange rate:

• Daily backpacker budget:

• Best for accommodation:

• Best for getting around:

• Risks: very low in terms of health and safety.

• Best time for climate/crowds/prices:

• Interests (out of ★★★★): Nature ★★★; Adventure ★/★★; Culture ★★; Relaxation-holidays ★★★

Useful Addresses

Socio-Economic Statistics

• "Quality of life": ()

• GDP per capita: $31,100 (2015)

• Average monthly income: ()

• Inflation: +1.4% (2017)

• "Official" unemployment: 14.7% (2014)

• Population below poverty line: ()

• Life expectancy: 78 years (2018)

• Migration rate per 1,000 inhabitants: +3.9 (2017)

• Population growth: +1.3% (2018)

• Literacy rate: 96.9% (2015)

• Urban population: 70.7% (2018)

• Press freedom: ()

• Political regime: ()

Sources: World Bank, Human Development Indicators, RSF, The Economist, The World Factbook