Map of New Caledonia | New Caledonia Flag Facts | Places to visit in New Caledonia
Are you tired of the same typical vacation spots every time that pop up on search engines? If you are in search of something elegant, different and beautiful, we have just the right place for you that can be your next destination for a nice relaxing vacation. Situated in the South Pacific, New Caledonia has a lot more to offer than you can possibly expect. Experience nature, luxury and witness beautiful marine life in this unique place.
Map of New Caledonia
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Is New Caledonia a country?
Contrary to popular belief, New Caledonia is not a country. It is an overseas French Territory. There are several overseas French territories in different parts of the world like Wallis and Futuna. New Caledonia is not a country but according to the Noumea Accord in 1998, New Caledonia has a large amount of autonomy. All New Caledonians are French citizens.
Is New Caledonia part of French Polynesia?
It is often assumed that since New Caledonia is a French territory, it only makes sense for it to be a part of French Polynesia in the Pacific. French Polynesia comprises five island groups namely the Tuamotu archipelago, the Society Islands, the Marquesas Islands, Tubuai Islands and the Gambier Islands. French Polynesia is 4.716 kilometers away from New Caledonia.
Where is New Caledonia located?
Oceania has several subregions, islands in each subregion share a lot of cultural values and practices with each other. New Caledonia is situated in Melanesia which means ‘island of black people’. People of Melanesia greatly differ from those of Polynesia and Micronesia. The region of Melanesia comprises Fiji, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and New Caledonia. New Caledonia is present on the south of Vanuatu and the southwest of the Pacific Ocean.
How many islands are there in New Caledonia?
There are a total of 140 different islands of different sizes with a few number of main islands. New Caledonia is divided into three provinces with two of them, the north and south situated on the New Caledonian mainland whereas the third island, the Loyalty islands Province is a series of islands.
New Caledonia Flag Facts
New Caledonia uses two flags, the national flag of France and a Kanak flag. Until 2010, New Caledonia only used one national flag, France’s tricolor flag with three vertical bands of blue, white and red. The Congress of New Caledonia voted in support of another flag in addition to the current one, the Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front, FLNKS in 2010. A big majority of New Caledonians use both flags while some of them only use the Tricolor. The FLNKS flag was first adopted in 1980.
Colors and Meaning of the New Caledonian Flag
The FLNKS political flag uses a total of five colors: red, blue, green, yellow and black. There are horizontal tricolor stripes present with blue at the top followed by red in the middle and green at the bottom. On the left in the middle there is a yellow disc with a black outline and on the inside is the flèche faîtière in black. The blue represents the Pacific Ocean, the red represents the bloodshed by Kanaks for independence and unity whereas the green symbolizes the land of New Caledonia. The yellow disc represents the moon whereas flèche faîtière holds cultural significance. It is a kind of arrow that is often on the roofs of Kanak houses.
The population of New Caledonia
The total population of New Caledonia is 284,060 with a large percentage of the population having the Kanak ethnic group roots whereas the European community are referred to as the Caldoche or Zoreill. Other two common communities are Wallisians and Futunians. Kanak culture is very prominent and strong in New Caledonia with several festivals, celebrations and food, you are bound to encounter their local culture one way or another. Christianity is most commonly followed in New Caledonia followed by a huge number of atheists and a small percentage of Muslims and Buddhists.
Language of New Caledonia
French is spoken throughout New Caledonia with varying levels of fluency. The older indigenous people speak the language associated with their ethnic groups like Wallisian and Javanese. There are a total of 28 Kanak languages that are spoken by the people of New Caledonia. These languages are taught to kids in schools.
Interesting Facts about New Caledonia
New Caledonia is not a famous place like many others. Oftentimes when you come across the name of some place, there is always a lot more to it than what meets the eye. Make your trip to New Caledonia more interesting by learning about the place before your travel. Here are some interesting facts about New Caledonia
- New Caledonia houses the world’s largest lagoon that surrounds the entire island and the biodiversity surrounding the barrier reef is not just abundant but quite a lot of unique species are found here.
- New Caledonia is home to 22 unique species of bird including New Caledonian Crow which is known to make and use its own tools!
- They have 25% of the entire world’s nickel reserves and it is the primary export of New Caledonia.
Places to Visit in New Caledonia
New Caledonia is famous for its beauty, clean beaches with clear water and its great people who are very hospitable. The place has several beautiful spots that you must visit to experience New Caledonia fully. Here are some of the famous tourists’ attraction that you must not miss on your trip:
- Noumea Lagoon Aquarium – Your trip to New Caledonia is incomplete without visiting Noumea Lagoons Aquarium. This aquarium also keeps nocturnal creatures with ideal surroundings that allows you to see them in all their nightly glory.
- Isle of Pines – Known as the Jewel of Pacific, this place was discovered by Captain James Cook. The island is absolutely breathtaking and you get to meet the tribal people inhabiting those lands.
- Lifou – Limestone caves, sandy beaches and coral atolls that are a treat to the eye. You cannot miss visiting Lifou while you are in New Caledonia.
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