Country Profile: Wallis and Futuna
Wallis and Futuna is a French overseas collectivity located in the South Pacific Ocean, strategically positioned between Fiji and Samoa. The islands have a rich history of settlement dating back to 800 B.C., with a predominantly Polynesian population of about 16,000 people. The local economy is agrarian and heavily reliant on French subsidies, with fishing, copra, and handicrafts as key industries. The governance structure includes a parliamentary democracy under the French administrative system, with a strong cultural influence from both traditional leadership and Roman Catholicism.
Geography
Wallis and Futuna consists of several islands, primarily Wallis Island (Ile Uvea) and Futuna Island (Ile Futuna), covering a total area of 142 sq km, making it 1.5 times the size of Washington, D.C. The islands feature a tropical climate, characterized by a hot rainy season from November to April and a cooler dry season from May to October. The terrain is volcanic with low hills, and both islands are surrounded by fringing reefs and feature crater lakes.
- Geographic coordinates: 13°18′S, 176°12′W
- Highest point: Mont Singavi at 522 m
- Coastline: 129 km
- Annual rainfall: 250-300 cm with 80% humidity
- Land use: 42.3% agricultural land, 74.9% forest
People and Society
The population of Wallis and Futuna is estimated at 15,998 (2025) and is predominantly Polynesian, with the majority identifying as Wallisian or Futunan. The official languages include French and indigenous languages, with a near-universal literacy rate of 99.8%. Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion, practiced by 99% of residents. The age structure indicates a young population with a median age of 36.9 years.
- Population growth rate: 0.19% (2025 est.)
- Birth rate: 11.63 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
- Life expectancy: 81.1 years (2024 est.)
- Dependency ratio: 48.7 (2025 est.)
- Urbanization: 0% of the population is urban
Economy
Wallis and Futuna has a lower-middle-income economy that relies heavily on French financial support. The primary sectors include agriculture, fishing, and handicrafts, with significant remittances sent from the large Wallisian and Futunan community in New Caledonia. Key agricultural products include coconuts, breadfruit, and yams, while imports predominantly consist of refined petroleum and prepared foods.
- GDP: Not specifically stated, but the economy is heavily reliant on subsidies
- Budget revenues: $32.54 million (2015 est.)
- Exports: Major partners include Denmark (35%) and Sweden (14%) (2023)
- Imports: Primarily from Fiji (35%) and France (32%) (2023)
- Economic fragility: Deforestation is a significant concern
Government
Wallis and Futuna functions as a parliamentary democracy within the framework of the French government. The capital, Mata-Utu, serves as the political center, and the islands are divided into three administrative precincts. The legal system is based on French civil law, and the islands have universal suffrage starting at age 18.
- Chief of state: President Emmanuel Macron (since May 2017)
- Head of government: President of the Territorial Assembly Munipoese Muli'aka'aka (since March 2022)
- Legislative body: Territorial Assembly with 20 members
- National holiday: Fête de la Fédération on 14 July
- Citizenship: Tied to France's nationality laws
Military and Security
Defense and security for Wallis and Futuna are the responsibility of France, and there is no formal military presence on the islands.
Energy
There is limited information specifically regarding energy production, but energy consumption and sources are closely tied to external resources and subsidies from France.
Environment
The islands face several environmental challenges, including deforestation and soil erosion, resulting partly from reliance on wood as a fuel source. The climate is tropical, leading to high levels of humidity and significant annual rainfall.
- Main environmental issues: Deforestation and lack of soil fertility
- Natural hazards: Vulnerability to cyclones and tsunamis
Transportation
Transportation infrastructure includes two airports and a small merchant marine fleet mainly for cargo transport. Mata-Utu is the main port of entry.
- Airports: 2 (2025)
- Merchant marine: 1 general cargo ship (2023)
- Port facilities: Primarily small scale, with no large commercial ports
Communications
Wallis and Futuna has limited telecommunications, with a small number of fixed lines and a growing mobile subscriber base, creating a modest internet user demographic.
- Fixed line subscriptions: 3,000 (2021 est.)
- Mobile cellular subscriptions: 12,200 (2023)
- Internet usage: 45.8% of the population (2021 est.)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 15,998 (2025 est.) | |
| Area | 142 sq km | |
| Life Expectancy | 81.1 years (2024 est.) | |
| Birth Rate | 11.63 births/1,000 population (2025 est.) | |
| Literacy Rate | 99.8% (2023 est.) | |
| Agricultural Land | 42.3% (2023 est.) | |
| Dependency Ratio | 48.7 (2025 est.) | |
| Median Age | 36.9 years (2025 est.) | |
| Unemployment Rate | Not specifically stated | |
| Urban Population | 0% (2023) |
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