Demographics

New Caledonia is an archipelago consisting of a main island, the Grande Terre, and several smaller islands (the Belep archipelago, the Loyalty Islands, the Ile des Pins, the Chesterfield Islands and the Bellona Reefs). Noumea, located in the main island, is the capital.

According to the national census in 2004, the population of New Caledonia was
230.8 inhabitants; the 2007 estimated population is 244 600 inhabitants. In 2007, the crude birth was 17.5 per 1000 population, the crude death rate was 4.7 per 1000 population and rate of annual increase of population was 1.3 per 1000 population. The total fertility rate is 2.2, and the infant mortality rate is 6.6 per 1000 live births.

The urban population was estimated to be 64% of the total population by 2007. Life expectancy at birth is 71.9 for males and 78.6 females (2005 est.). There is a high level of adult literacy, estimated to be 91% of the total population (male 92%, female 90%).

Political situation

New Caledonia was an overseas territory of France until the signing of the Noumea Accords in May 1998 and their subsequent approval by the French National Assembly and Senate. It then become a self-governing French overseas country and was granted a new status, with more internal autonomy. Administratively, the archipelago is divided into three provinces (South Province; North Province; and Loyalty Islands Province) and has a three-tiered system of administration: metropolitan France (represented by the High Commissioner), the territorial congress and the provincial assemblies. The Noumea Accords of 1998 diminished the hopes of those involved in the pro-independence movement, as the earliest date of possible independence for the country is now 2014. The Government of France has been represented by High Commissioner Yves Dassonville since 9 November 2007. The President of the New Caledonian Government is elected by the members of the Territorial Congress. The last election was held on 7 August 2007, when Harold Martin was elected.

Socioeconomic situation

New Caledonia has about 25% of the world’s known nickel resources. Only a small amount of the country’s land is suitable for cultivation, and food accounts for about 20% of imports. In addition to nickel, substantial financial support from France (equal to more than 25% of GDP) and tourism are key to the economy. Substantial new investment in the nickel industry, combined with the recovery of the global nickel market, suggests a bright economic outlook for the next few years.

The mainstays of New Caledonia’s booming economy are mining, cattle, shrimp farming, fishing, forestry agriculture and tourism. In 2001, GDP per capita was US$19 190.5.

The major exports are coffee, prawns, holoturies or bêche de mer, trochus, scallops and tuna. The country has an Exclusive Economic Zone of 1 740 000 square kilomtres.

Vulnerabilities and hazards

New Caledonia is vulnerable for natural hazards. Cyclones are common from November to March. Erosion caused by mining exploitation and forest fires are among the environmental issues.

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