New Caledonia:

Region: Oceania – Melanesia

Capital: Nouméa

Official Language/s: French

Population: 244000

Currency: Franc

Government: Overseas territory of France

Politics: New Caledonia has the unique status of being both an independent country and an overseas department of France. Both a Territorial Congress and government have been established which are increasingly empowered via the gradual execution of a devolution of powers from France. Major areas including taxation, health and foreign trade are already in the hands of the New Caledonian Territorial Congress and government. However inhabitants of New Caledonia are French citizens and carry French passports, taking part in the legislative and presidential French elections.

Economy: New Caledonian soils contain a amount of important elements and minerals including about 25% of the world’s nickel resources. Mining is therefore a major industry greatly benefiting the territory’s economy. However widely-practiced and unsystematic open-pit mining has occurred across much of New Caledonia  and is accused of deteriorating New Caledonia’s natural heritage.

Demographics: The largest group in New Caledonia is the indigenous Melanesian Kanak community now representing 44.6% of the whole population. In recent times the indigenous population has declined due to immigration and other factors. The remaining population is made up of ethnic groups arriving in New Caledonia in the last 150 years.

Health: The health status of the New Caledonian population is strong with 400 physicians operating in New Caledonia, half of them being specialised. Hospitals are well equipped however some difficult cases are sent to Australia with expenses being covered by the New Caledonia health system. Communicable diseases such as pneumonia, diarrhoea, sexually transmitted diseases and heart disease remain public health problems in New Caledonia. Health expenditure amounts to 8.8% of GDP with New Caledonia being free of malaria and AIDS remaining at a fairly low level. This can be attributed to the economic growth of New Caledonia as well as the quality of health care coverage providing access to health services for the whole population.

Education: Education in New Caledonia is free and remains compulsory for children between the ages of 6 and 16. Primary education lasts for five years with Secondary education made up of two cycles, one compulsory and the further optional. New Caledonia operates five institutions of higher education with many students seeking university degrees attending universities in France.

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