Nouvelle-Calédonie
Nouvelle-Calédonie, also known as New Caledonia, is a unique French territory located in the South Pacific Ocean, northeast of Australia and west of Fiji. Here are some key details about this territory:
Geography
- Nouvelle-Calédonie consists of the main island of Grande Terre, the Loyalty Islands, the Belep Islands, the Île des Pins, and several smaller islets.
- The archipelago covers approximately 18,575 square kilometers.
- The terrain varies from coastal plains to mountainous interiors, with Mont Panié being the highest peak at 1,628 meters.
History
- The islands were populated by Melanesians about 3,000 years ago.
- European discovery was made by James Cook in 1774, who named the main island after the Scottish region of Caledonia.
- France annexed the islands in 1853, establishing it as a penal colony.
- The territory saw a significant influx of free settlers and indentured laborers from various parts of the world, including Indonesia, India, and China, creating a diverse population.
- The end of the penal colony era came in 1897, but the French presence continued with a focus on mining, particularly nickel.
- After World War II, there was a push for independence, leading to conflicts known as the "Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front" (FLNKS) movements in the 1980s.
- The Noumea Accord of 1998 established a pathway to greater autonomy and the possibility of independence through referendums, the first of which was held in November 2018.
Politics and Governance
- As per the Noumea Accord, Nouvelle-Calédonie has gained a degree of autonomy from France. It has its own government, the Government of New Caledonia, with legislative powers over certain areas.
- It remains under French sovereignty with French citizenship for its inhabitants.
- Three referendums on independence were scheduled, with the first in 2018 resulting in a vote to remain part of France, and the second in 2020 also rejecting independence. The third referendum's outcome is still pending as of the latest updates.
Economy
- The economy is heavily reliant on nickel mining, which makes it the world's third-largest producer of nickel.
- Tourism, fishing, and agriculture also contribute to the economy.
- Substantial aid from France supports public infrastructure and social services.
Culture
- The indigenous Kanak culture remains strong, with traditional practices, languages, and arts.
- The cultural landscape is diverse due to the mix of Melanesian, European, Polynesian, and Asian influences.
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