New Caledonia Facts & Worksheets

New Caledonia is a French territory located in the South Pacific, renowned for its stunning natural beauty, diverse culture, and rich biodiversity.

See the fact file below for more information about New Caledonia, or you can download our 27-page New Caledonia worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

BRIEF OVERVIEW

• New Caledonia is a sui generis collectivity of Overseas France. Overseas France refers to the various territories and regions outside mainland France that are under French sovereignty. 
• Before this, New Caledonia was an overseas territory (from 1946 to 1998). However, as of the 1998 Nouméa Accord (a political agreement aiming to secure peace and stability in New Caledonia), New Caledonia became a sui generis in 1999.
• New Caledonia is located in the southwest part of the Pacific Ocean.
• New Caledonia uses two flags. Until 2010, New Caledonia has been using only the flag of France.
• In July 2010, the Congress of New Caledonia voted to raise the Kanak flag, also known as the FLNKS flag, symbolic of the indigenous Kanak people in New Caledonia.
• On the other hand, the emblem of New Caledonia shows a flèche faîtière (a rooftop spear that decorates Kanak houses) and an endemic tall pine. 

HISTORY

• New Caledonia used to be part of the continent of Zealandia. On September 4 1774, James Cook was the first British explorer to discover New Caledonia. 
• Cook named the land “New Caledonia,” as the northeastern part of the island reminded him of Scotland. Caledonia was the Latin name referring to a part of Great Britain, which includes the majority of the land area of Scotland.
• On September 24, 1853, Admiral Febvrier Despointes took over New Caledonia under the orders of Emperor Napoleon III.
• In 1864, New Caledonia was an exile or penal colony.
• That same year, nickel was discovered on the banks of the Diahot River, the longest river in New Caledonia.
• Indigenous Kanak people were forced to live on reservations after being excluded from the French economy and mining work. This sparked a violent reaction, resulting in a guerilla war in 1878.
• In March 1942, New Caledonia, with the assistance of Australia, became an important Allied base.
• In 1946, New Caledonia became an overseas territory, and in 1953, French citizenship was granted to all people in New Caledonia.
• From the late 1940s to the early 1950s, New Caledonia strengthened its connections with Australia. 
• New Caledonia supplied nickel to Australia in exchange for coal.
• Exports of iron ore and timber from New Caledonia to Australia have also increased during this time. 
• On June 26, 1988, the Matignon Agreements were signed to ensure institutional and economic provisions for the Kanak community. 
• On May 5, 1998, the Nouméa Accord was signed, setting the groundwork for a 20-year transition to transfer competencies to the local government of New Caledonia.
• A referendum was held on November 4, 2018, wherein the independence of New Caledonia from France was rejected. Another referendum happened in October 2020, with voters again choosing to remain part of France.

POLITICS

• New Caledonia has been part of the Pacific Community since 1983. The Pacific Community (PC) is an international development organization with 27 members. The organization’s headquarters are located in Nouméa, New Caledonia. 
• New Caledonia is divided into three provinces: Loyalty Islands Province, North Province, and South Province.
• North Province and South Province are both located on the mainland of New Caledonia, while Loyalty Islands Province is a series of islands off the mainland.
• The capital city of Loyalty Islands Province is Lifou.
• The Loyalty Islands Province is divided into three communes or municipalities: Lifou, Maré, and Ouvéa.
• Geographically, Walpole Island is part of the Loyalty Islands. However, administratively, Walpole Island is part of South Province.
• The capital city of North Province is Koné, also the seat of the provincial government.
• The provincial assembly and executive of South Province are in Nouméa, the capital city of South Province.
• Each province of New Caledonia has its own flag.
• New Caledonia is  further subdivided into 33 communes or municipalities.
• South Province communes are (1) Thio, (2) Yaté, (3) L’Île-des-Pins, (4) Le Mont-Dore, (5) Nouméa, (6) Dumbéa, (7) Païta, (8) Boulouparis, (9) La Foa, (10) Sarraméa, (11) Farino, (12) Moindou, and (13) Bourail.
• (14) Poya is a commune part of both North Province and South Province.
• North Province communes include (15) Pouembout, (16) Koné, (17) Voh, (18) Kaala-Gomen, (19) Koumac, (20) Poum, (21) Belep, (22) Ouégoa, (23) Pouébo, (24) Hienghène, (25) Touhou, (26) Poindimié, (27) Ponérihouen, (28) Houaïlou, (29) Kouaoua, and (30) Canala.
• Lastly, the communes belonging to Loyalty Islands Province include (31) Ouvéa, (32) Lifou, and (33) Maré.

BIODIVERSITY

• New Caledonia is said to have the richest biodiversity in the world. However, New Caledonia is also considered one of the most critical biodiversity hotspots in the world.
• This status is due to the high carbon dioxide emissions from the territory’s nickel industry.
• The biodiversity of New Caledonia came from the ancestral species that were isolated in the region when it broke apart from Gondwana.
• Cyathea intermedia, the world’s largest surviving fern species, is also endemic to New Caledonia.
• There are two terrestrial ecoregions within New Caledonia: New Caledonia rainforests and New Caledonia dry forests.
• The New Caledonia rainforest is a tropical broadleaf forest ecoregion, which refers to forest ecoregions that are lush with diverse ecosystems characterized by high temperatures, abundant rainfall, and a wide variety of plant and animal species.
• The New Caledonia dry forests is a tropical dry broadleaf forest ecoregion.
• There are over 100 bird species living in New Caledonia, 24 of them are endemic. One of the endemic species is the New Caledonian crow, often called the ‘qua-qua.’
• Another endemic bird species is the kagu. Kagu is a flightless bird that uses its wings to climb branches or to glide.
• There is also a large diversity of marine animals in the waters surrounding New Caledonia. 
• However, despite the large number of reptiles, birds, and fish species, there are only a few mammal species in New Caledonia. 
• There are no native mammals in New Caledonia, only bats.

ECONOMY

• New Caledonia has one of the largest economies in the South Pacific.
• New Caledonia is home to about 25% of the world’s nickel resources
• Tourism in the territory is underdeveloped, with most of its economy being exportation. 
• New Caledonia is also a significant producer of yams, taro, plantains, and coconuts.

New Caledonia Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about New Caledonia across 27 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about New Caledonia. New Caledonia is a French territory located in the South Pacific, renowned for its stunning natural beauty, diverse culture, and rich biodiversity.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

1. New Caledonia Facts
2. Blank Spaces
3. Uncover the Colors
4. Discovering New Caledonia
5. Connect the Boxes
6. Biodiversity Wonderland
7. Time Travel
8. Pen Pal Adventure
9. Unravel the Timeline
10. Craft Corner
11. N.E.W

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the political status of New Caledonia?

New Caledonia is a special collectivity of France located in the southwest Pacific Ocean. It has a unique political status known as “sui generis” (of its own kind). The Nouméa Accord, signed in 1998, outlines a process for possible independence from France, allowing for a series of referendums. As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, there have been referendums on independence, with the most recent one held in 2021. It is advisable to check for the latest developments.

What is the economy of New Caledonia based on?

The economy of New Caledonia is largely dependent on nickel mining. The territory possesses one of the world’s largest known nickel reserves, and nickel exports contribute significantly to its economic activity. In addition to mining, there are also other sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and fishing that play a role in the economy.

What is the indigenous population of New Caledonia called?

The indigenous people of New Caledonia are known as the Kanak people. They are of Melanesian origin and have a rich cultural heritage. The Kanak culture is an essential part of the identity of New Caledonia, and efforts are made to preserve and promote their traditions and languages.

What languages are spoken in New Caledonia?

The official languages of New Caledonia are French and several indigenous languages, including Kanak languages such as Drehu, Nengone, and Paicî. While French is the primary language used in government and education, the indigenous languages hold cultural significance and are spoken in local communities.

What are some notable natural attractions in New Caledonia?

New Caledonia is known for its stunning natural beauty and diverse ecosystems. Some notable attractions include the Barrier Reef, the second-largest coral reef system in the world, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Isle of Pines (Île des Pins) is another picturesque destination known for its white sandy beaches and turquoise waters. The territory offers opportunities for activities such as snorkeling, diving, and hiking, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts.

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