🇳🇨 New Caledonia
New Caledonia
Territory and Sovereignty
Region: Oceania
Basic Information
Capital: Nouméa
Population: 297,172
Area: 18,575 km²
Subregion: Melanesia
Currencies: CFP franc (₣)
Languages: French
About territory
New Caledonia is a French territory located in the southwest Pacific Ocean, known for its diverse landscapes and unique cultural blend. The archipelago was first sighted by James Cook in 1774, who named it after Scotland. It was annexed by France in 1853 and later used as a penal colony, receiving thousands of convicts. The discovery of nickel in 1864 spurred economic development and attracted labor from neighboring colonies. Today, New Caledonia holds a unique status within the French Republic, possessing a degree of autonomy and a vibrant Melanesian culture.
Codes & Identifiers
ISO 3166-1 Alpha-2
NC
ISO 3166-1 Alpha-3
NCL
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