New Caledonia

Overview

Although an archipelago, the majority of the area,possibly unsurprisingly, is on the Mainland. This has vastly contrasting coasts with the east being humid and abounding with tropical vegetation and west being dry and beach filled. The coasts arevery much separated by the Châine Centrale that runs down the centre of the island. The French influence remains strong, especially in thecuisine, which will prepare the visitor beforethey head out for some trekking or watersports.

History

Settled by both Britain and France during the first half of the 19th century, the island was made a French possession in 1853. It served as a penal colony for four decades after 1864. Agitation for independence during the 1980s and early 1990s has dissipated. The islands have been an overseas territory of France since 1956. The 1988 Matignon Accords grant substantial autonomy to the islands; formerly under French law. Agitation for independence during the 1980s and early 1990s seems to have dissipated. A referendum on independence was held in 1998 but did not pass; a new referendum is scheduled for 2014. New Caledonia has a national holiday for Bastille Day on 14 July (1789) The people of New Caledonia are split into three major groups: the native Kanaks French citizens working in Noumea descendants of French prisoners There is a general move towards independence in New Caledonia and it was decided in the Nouméa Accord that the territorial Congress will have the right to call for a referendum on independence after 2014, at a time of its choosing.