last edited Dec 11, 2019
Introduction to Wallis and Futuna
Overview of the country
The Wallis and Futuna archipelago consists of three islands: Wallis (75.64 km², 8,584 inhabitants), Futuna (46.28 km², 3,613 inhabitants), and Alofi (17.78 km², uninhabited). While Alofi is close to Futuna (together they form the Horn Islands), Wallis is over 200 km away from the other two.
Key facts
- Location: Small Pacific archipelago 480 km northeast of Fiji and over 16,000 km from mainland France.
- Latitude/longitude: 13°17' S, 176°11' W.
- Local time:
- Capital: Mata Utu (on Wallis).
- Territory status: French overseas collectivity.
- Official language: French (though Wallisian and Futunan are widely spoken).
- Currency: CFP franc.
- Population: 15,763 inhabitants (2018).
- Area: 142.42 km².
- Density: 111 inhabitants/km².
- Highest point: Mount Puke (524 m) on Futuna.
- Lowest point: Sea level.
- Coastline: 129 km.
- Driving: On the right.
- Flag: [drapeau: Wallis-et-Futuna]
Tourism
Travel essentials
- Destination: For beginner travellers.
- By air: Mainland France to Wallis.
- Entry requirements: Passport (no national ID card due to air transit through various countries).
- Currency to bring: Euros.
- Exchange rate:
- Daily "backpacker" budget:
- Best for accommodation:
- Best for getting around:
- Risks:
- Best time for climate/crowds/prices:
- Interests (out of ): Nature ; Adventure ; Culture ; Relaxation/holidays /
Useful addresses
Socio-economic statistics
- GDP per capita:
- Average monthly income:
- Inflation: +0.9% (2015)
- "Official" unemployment: 8.8% (2014)
- Population below poverty line:
- Life expectancy: 80 years (2018)
- Migration rate per 1,000 inhabitants: -4.7 (2017)
- Population growth: +0.3 (2018)
- Literacy rate:
- Urban population: 0% (2019).
Sources: World Bank, Human Development Indicators, RSF, The Economist, The World Factbook