19,103 sq km (7376 sq miles).

200,000 (1997).

10.5 per sq km.

Nouméa.

70,000 (1997).

New Caledonia is an island group approximately 20,000km (12,428 miles) off the southeast coast of Australia. Mountains run the entire length of the main island. On the western side the land is relatively flat and forested by gum trees. The east coast is more mountainous with beautiful seashores fringed by tropical plants. Crystalline serpentine rock covers more than half the island. About 48km (30 miles) southeastwards lies Ile des Pins (Kunie), an island famed for its caves and grottoes containing stalactites and stalagmites. The Loyalty Group lies to the east of New Caledonia, the main islands being Ouvéa, Lifou and Maré. The remaining islands are the Chesterfield Group, Hinter, Huon Group, Matthew and Walpole.

French Overseas Territory since 1957. Head of State: President Jacques Chirac, represented locally by High Commissioner Henri-Michel Comet since 1996.

French is the official language, but Polynesian and Melanesian are also spoken. English is also widely spoken.

Roman Catholic, Protestant.

GMT + 11 (GMT + 10 in summer)

220 volts AC, 50Hz. European-style, two-pin plugs are in use.