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New Caledonia

Travel Guide > Oceania > New Caledonia

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Quick Facts

New Caledonia flag

Map of New Caledonia

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Local name
Nouvelle-Calédonie
Capital
Nouméa
Government
Overseas Territory of France
Nationality
New Caledonian
Population
240,000
Languages
French
Religions
Christianity (Catholic, Protestant)
Currency
CFP Franc (XPF)
Calling Code
+687
Time Zone
UTC+11
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Introduction

Church at the top of the Hill in Noumea

Church at the top of the Hill in Noumea

© All Rights Reserved naomidavid

New Caledonia is an outstanding destination, due largely to the magnificent barrier reef which surrounds the main island of Grande Terre. It is the second largest in the world and is, unsurprisingly, an underwater maze of natural beauty.

But the islands themselves are more than capable of entertaining the holidayer. Luxurious five star hotels invite the wealthy tourists into their midst, whilst the budget traveller can lodge in the cheaper accomodation. But be they wealthy or on a budget, everyone who comes to New Caledonia is treated to the same cultural vivacity and tropical flavour. Frenchness has made its mark on culture, but the islanders are by no means a collection of French folk donning swimsuits and suntans; their dance and food are unmistakably traditional, though infused with modern influences. Many look forward to the day when they can cut official ties with France and step out into independence.

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Provinces

The archipelago is divided into three administrative divisions:

  • South Province
  • North Province
  • Loyalty Islands Province

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Cities & Towns

  • Nouméa - The capital
  • Thio
  • Poindimié
  • Muéo
  • Koné
  • Canala

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Getting There

By Plane

Tontouta International Airport (NOU), some 45 kilometers from the capital Nouméa, is the gateway to the country. The national carrier, Aircalin, mainly serves destinations throughout the Pacific region (among which Fiji and French Polynesia), Japan and from June 2008, South Korea. Aircalin has flights to Australia (Brisbane and Sydney) and New Zealand (Auckland) as well.

Other airlines serving New Caledonia are Air Vanuatu, Qantas and Air New Zealand. All three have connections from several cities in Vanuatu, Australia and New Zealand.

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This is version 8. Last edited at 23:50 on Apr 24, 08 by Hien (+288). 7 articles link to this page.

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