New Caledonia
Region
🌍 Oceania
Population
👥 264
Currency
💱 CFP franc
Languages
🗣️ French
This mark means a fact is linked to a checked source. Hover or tap it to see the source. 31 of 141 facts on this page are sourced.
Official NameSource: REST Countries
New Caledonia
Continent
Oceania
DemonymSource: REST Countries
New Caledonian
Independence
This territory does not have an official independence day.
Top-Level Domain
.nc
Calling CodeSource: REST Countries
+687
Time ZoneSource: REST Countries
UTC+11:00
Capital CitySource: REST Countries
Nouméa
ISO Alpha-2
NC
ISO Alpha-3
NCL
UN Code
540
Geographic Coordinates
-21.5,165.5
Area (km²)Source: REST Countries
18,575#156 of 249
PopulationSource: REST Countries
264,596#183 of 247
Population Density (per km²)
15.86
Highest Point (m)
1,628 meters (Mont Panié)
Lowest Point (m)
0 meters (Pacific Ocean)
Land Use
Agricultural land is approximately 25.3% of total land area, with arable land around 1.9%.
Irrigated Land
Around 50 square kilometers (2012).
Coastline Length
2,250 km
Climate
Tropical; hot and humid; moderated by trade winds; rainy season (November to March).
Natural Resources
Nickel, chromium, iron ore, cobalt, manganese, timber, fish.
Bordering CountriesSource: REST Countries
No land borders
Major Rivers
This island territory has no major rivers.
Major Lakes
This island territory has no major lakes.
Government Type
Overseas collectivity of France.
Administrative Divisions
3 provinces (provinces)
Legal System
French law.
Chief of State
President of France, represented locally by a High Commissioner.
Head of Government
President of the Government of New Caledonia.
Cabinet
The Government of New Caledonia.
Elections
Elections are held for the Congress of New Caledonia.
Judicial Branch
Court of Appeal; tribunals of first instance.
Legislative Branch
Congress of New Caledonia.
Major Political Parties
Various political parties, representing different interests within New Caledonia.
CurrencySource: REST Countries
CFP franc
GDP, Nominal (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP (current US$) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
8.55#158 of 211
GDP, PPP (US$ billion)
The PPP GDP is approximately $4 billion USD.
GDP per Capita (US$)Source: World Bank: GDP per capita (current US$) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
29,213.19#57 of 211
GDP - Agriculture (%)Source: World Bank: Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added (% of GDP) (2019)Checked September 29, 2026
1.79
GDP - Industry (%)Source: World Bank: Industry (including construction), value added (% of GDP) (2019)Checked September 29, 2026
22.33
GDP - Services (%)Source: World Bank: Services, value added (% of GDP) (2019)Checked September 29, 2026
65.19
Inflation Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) (2016)Checked September 29, 2026
0.58#163 of 191
Labor Force (people)Source: World Bank: Labor force, total (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
131,488
Unemployment Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Unemployment, total (% of total labor force) (modeled ILO estimate) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
11.17#31 of 185
Public Debt (% of GDP)
Public debt information fluctuates; contact a financial institution for details.
Budget
Budget information varies; refer to official government sources for specifics.
Exports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Exports of goods and services (current US$) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
1#169 of 192
Imports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Imports of goods and services (current US$) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
2.45#160 of 192
Foreign Reserves
Information on foreign reserves fluctuates; consult financial resources for details.
Currency Exchange
The currency is the CFP franc (XPF). Exchange rates fluctuate; check with a bank or currency converter for up-to-date information.
GDP by Sector
The economy is largely based on nickel mining, tourism, and services.
Major Industries
Major industries include nickel mining, tourism, and services.
Major Export Partners
Major export partners include Japan, France, and Australia.
Major Import Partners
Major import partners include France, Australia, and Singapore.
Society
Literacy Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above) (1996)Checked September 29, 2026
96.14#68 of 169
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Birth rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
14
Death Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Death rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
6.3
Net Migration Rate
The net migration rate is approximately -1 per 1,000 people.
Median Age
The median age is approximately 35 years.
Urban Population (%)Source: World Bank: Urban population (% of total population) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
68.17#97 of 214
Urbanization Rate
The urbanization rate is relatively stable.
Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: Life expectancy at birth, total (years) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
78.9#57 of 214
HIV/AIDS Prevalence
HIV/AIDS prevalence is low.
Health Expenditures (% of GDP)
Health expenditure data varies; refer to government or WHO reports for details.
Ethnic Groups
The population comprises Kanak (indigenous), European (mostly French), and other groups.
Religions
Christianity is the dominant religion.
LanguagesSource: REST Countries
French
Education
Education System
The education system follows the French model, with primary, secondary, and higher education levels.
School Life Expectancy (years)
School life expectancy is approximately 14 years.
Government Education Spending
Government spending on education is a significant portion of the budget.
Primary Education Access
—
Secondary Education Access
—
Higher Education Access
—
Major Universities
The University of New Caledonia is the main higher education institution.
Culture
Cultural Overview
New Caledonian culture is a blend of Melanesian Kanak traditions and French influences.
National HolidaysSource: Nager.Date
- New Year's Day (2026-01-01)
- Good Friday (2026-04-03)
- Labour Day (2026-05-01)
- Victory Day (2026-05-08)
- Ascension Day (2026-05-14)
- Whit Monday (2026-05-25)
- French National Day (2026-07-14)
- Assumption Day (2026-08-15)
- New Caledonia Day (2026-09-24)
- All Saints' Day (2026-11-01)
- Armistice Day (2026-11-11)
- Christmas Day (2026-12-25)
Popular Music
Popular music includes Kanak traditional music and French-influenced genres.
Traditional Food
Traditional food features seafood, yams, taro, and dishes influenced by French cuisine.
Sports
Popular sports include soccer, rugby, and water sports.
Major Festivals
Major festivals celebrate Kanak culture and French heritage.
Famous People
Famous people include sports figures and artists.
Cultural Heritage Sites
Several sites showcase Kanak heritage and French colonial history.
UNESCO Sites
New Caledonia has UNESCO World Heritage sites reflecting its natural beauty.
Annual Tourist Visits
Information unavailable.
Tourism Overview
Tourism focuses on natural beauty and outdoor activities, attracting visitors to its lagoons and islands.
Top Tourist Attractions
New Caledonia Barrier Reef, Isle of Pines, and various beaches.
Famous Cities
Nouméa.
National Parks
Information unavailable.
Protected Areas
Numerous marine and terrestrial protected areas exist, including UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Best Time to Visit
—
Tourist Visa Info
Visa requirements vary; check with the French consulate/embassy.
Visa Requirements Overview
—
Travel Advisory
Exercise normal precautions; monitor local conditions.
Healthcare
Healthcare Quality
Healthcare quality is generally good.
Medical Cost
Medical costs vary depending on the service.
Number of Hospitals
There are several hospitals and numerous clinics.
Universal Healthcare
Healthcare is provided through a social security system, with access to public and private healthcare options.
Medical Services Overview
Medical services are available, with hospitals and clinics throughout the territory.
Emergency Medical Access
Emergency medical services are available.
Emergency & Safety
Emergency Number (Police)
17 (or 112 from a mobile phone)
Emergency Number (Ambulance)
15 (or 112 from a mobile phone)
Emergency Number (Fire)
18 (or 112 from a mobile phone)
Crime Rate
Crime rates are moderate, with petty crime being a concern.
Safety Index
The safety index is relatively high compared to some other countries.
Military Expenditure
France's military expenditure includes the defense of its overseas territories.
Emergency Services Overview
Emergency services are available, following French models.
Safety Overview
—
Military Branches
France is responsible for the defense of New Caledonia.
Infrastructure
Electricity Access
Electricity access is widely available.
Water Access
Access to clean water is generally good.
Sanitation Access
Sanitation access is generally available in urban areas.
Railways
New Caledonia does not have a railway system.
Roadways
Roads connect the main areas, with improvements ongoing.
Transportation System
The transportation system includes roads, air travel, and maritime transport.
AirportsSource: OurAirports
La Tontouta International Airport (NOU), Koné Airport (KNQ), Lifou Airport (LIF), Maré Airport (MEE), Nouméa Magenta Airport (GEA), Ouvéa Airport (UVE)
Ports
Nouméa is the main port for cargo and cruise ships.
Public Transit
Public transit options are available in urban areas, including buses.
Technology & Communication
Internet Penetration (%)Source: World Bank: Individuals using the Internet (% of population) (2017)Checked September 29, 2026
82.01#100 of 211
Mobile Subscriptions (per 100)
Information unavailable.
Tech Startups
Limited information available.
Innovation Index
Information unavailable.
ICT Development Index
Information unavailable.
TV Broadcast Stations
Information unavailable.
Radio Broadcast Stations
Information unavailable.
Plug Type & Voltage
—
CO2 Emissions (t per capita)Source: World Bank: Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions excluding LULUCF per capita (t CO2e/capita) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
17.08#10 of 202
Air Quality Index
Data on air quality is limited; generally good.
Water Pollution Level
Localized issues, particularly near urban areas; generally moderate.
Renewable Energy Usage
Increasing, with focus on solar power and hydropower.
Environmental Issues
Deforestation, mining impacts, coastal erosion, and invasive species.
Natural Hazards
Cyclones, earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic activity.
Waste Management
Developing infrastructure, with ongoing efforts to improve recycling and waste disposal.
Environmental Agreements
Part of France and adheres to relevant international environmental agreements.
UN Membership
—
Diplomatic Missions
Diplomatic representation handled primarily through France.
International OrganizationsSource: REST Countries
French dependencies, participates in relevant regional and international organizations.
Major Treaties
Part of France, subject to treaties ratified by France.
Visa-Free Countries
Visa policies generally align with those of France, allowing visa-free travel for many nationalities.