Country Profile: New Caledonia
New Caledonia, a special collectivity of France, is located in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Australia. This archipelago comprises the main island and several smaller islands, known for its tropical climate and rich biodiversity, particularly its coral reefs. The population is approximately 304,167, with a mix of indigenous Kanak people and various ethnic groups. The economy largely relies on nickel mining and eco-tourism, supported by ongoing financial aid from France. Governance is structured as a parliamentary democracy, with increasing autonomy from France over recent decades.
Geography
New Caledonia is situated in Oceania with a total area of 18,575 square kilometers and a coastline extending 2,254 kilometers. The terrain features both coastal plains and interior mountains, with the highest point being Mont Panie at 1,628 meters. The region experiences a tropical climate, influenced by southeast trade winds, and is subject to cyclones, especially from November to March.
- 18,575 sq km total area (2022)
- 1,628 m highest point (Mont Panie)
- 2,254 km coastline
- 45.8% of the land is forested (2022)
- 10.1% of land is agricultural (2022)
People and Society
The population of New Caledonia is estimated at 304,167 in 2024, with a gender distribution of slightly more females than males. Ethnic diversity is notable, with the Kanak people comprising 39.1% of the population alongside Europeans and other groups. The official language is French, and the predominant religion is Christianity, accounting for 85.2% of the population.
- 304,167 total population (2024 est.)
- 13.8 births per 1,000 population (2024 est.)
- 79.3 years life expectancy at birth (2024 est.)
- 72.7% urban population (2023)
- 1.14% population growth rate (2024 est.)
Economy
New Caledonia has an upper-middle-income economy primarily focused on nickel mining, luxury eco-tourism, and heavy reliance on financial aid from France. Its real GDP is estimated at $8.469 billion for 2024, with ongoing discussions around independence affecting economic dynamics. The economy experiences a high cost of living with notable wealth disparities.
- $8.469 billion real GDP (2024 est.)
- 11.2% unemployment rate (2024 est.)
- $34,600 real GDP per capita (2024 est.)
- 3.5% real GDP growth rate (2022 est.)
- 6.5% of GDP from remittances (2022 est.)
Government
New Caledonia is governed as a parliamentary democracy and operates as a special collectivity of France. The territory has a legislative body known as the Territorial Congress and is represented by a High Commissioner appointed by the French president. Recent independence referenda have resulted in a continued preference for maintaining the status quo.
- 3 administrative provinces
- 54 seats in the Territorial Congress
- 18 years old for universal suffrage
- Emmanuel Macron is the head of state (since 2017)
Military and Security
New Caledonia does not maintain regular military forces; its defense is managed by France, which provides military resources on the islands through the Forces Armées de la Nouvelle-Calédonie. Local security is overseen by the Territorial Directorate of the National Police and the Gendarmerie of New Caledonia.
- No regular military forces
- DTPN oversees local police (2025)
Energy
Electricity access is universal in New Caledonia, with an installed generating capacity of 1.174 million kW. The energy mix is predominantly based on fossil fuels, supplemented by renewable sources including solar and hydroelectricity.
- 100% electrification rate (2022 est.)
- 73.8% of electricity from fossil fuels (2023)
- 3.02 billion kWh electricity consumption (2023)
Environment
Environmental challenges in New Caledonia include preserving coral reefs, managing invasive species, and addressing erosion linked to nickel mining. Approximately 10.1% of the land is used for agriculture, contributing to local biodiversity, alongside significant forest cover.
- 10.1% agricultural land (2022)
- 4.887 million metric tonnes of CO2 emissions (2023)
- 45.8% forest cover (2022)
Transportation
New Caledonia has an extensive transportation network, including 21 airports and a merchant marine fleet, facilitating both domestic and international trade. Key ports include Baie de Kouaoua and Noumea.
- 21 airports (2025)
- 3 major ports (2024)
- 23 ships in the merchant marine (2023)
Communications
Telecommunication services in New Caledonia are expanding, with about 82% of the population using the internet. The territory features both fixed and mobile telephone networks, enhancing connectivity.
- 260,000 mobile subscriptions (2021)
- 46,000 fixed line subscriptions (2021)
- 82% internet users (2017 est.)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 304,167 | 2024 est. |
| Area | 18,575 sq km | Total area |
| GDP | $8.469 billion | 2024 est. |
| Energy Consumption | 3.02 billion kWh | 2023 est. |
| Birth Rate | 13.8 births/1,000 population | 2024 est. |
| Unemployment Rate | 11.2% | 2024 est. |
| Life Expectancy at Birth | 79.3 years | 2024 est. |
| Urban Population | 72.7% | 2023 |
| Electricity Access | 100% | 2022 est. |
| Total Fertility Rate | 1.83 children/woman | 2024 est. |
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