Demographics

The Futuna and Wallis Islands are located in the Oceania Islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand. The total area is 274 square kilometres and includes Ile Uvea (Wallis Island), Ile Futuna , Ile Alofia 20 islets.

The estimated population was 15 260 in 2006. About 30.4% were 0-14 years old and 9.8% were aged 60 years and older.

Political situation

The Wallis and Futuna island group has been a French overseas territory since 1959. The Chief of State is President Nicolas Sarkozy of France (since 16 May 2007), represented by the High Administrator appointed by the French President on the advice of the French Ministry of the Interior. The High Administrator has been Richard Didier since 19 July 2006. The head of the government is the President of the Territorial Assembly, currently Patlione Kanimoa.

The Council of the Territory consists of three kings with limited powers, appointed by the High Administrator on the advice of the Territorial Assembly. The presidents of the Territorial Government and the Territorial Assembly are elected by the members of the Assembly.

Socioeconomic situation

The economy is limited to traditional subsistence agriculture, with about 80% of the labour force involved in agriculture (coconuts and vegetables), livestock (mostly pigs) and fishing. About 4% of the population is employed by the Government. Revenues come from French Government subsidies, licensing of fishing rights to Japan and the Republic of Korea, import taxes and remittances from expatriate workers in New Caledonia.

Vulnerabilities and hazards

No available information.

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