New Caledonia

Island group in the South Pacific, a French overseas territory between Australia and the Fiji Islands; area 18,576 sq km/7,170 sq mi; population (2001 est) 204,900. The capital, largest city and chief port is Nouméa. The islands are surrounded by a barrier reef, and are the world's third-largest producer of nickel. Other industries include chrome, iron, chlorine, oxygen, and cement works; agricultural products include beef, pork, coffee, and maize; tourism is also an important industry. The currency used is the CFP franc. French is the official language, although English is widely spoken. 60% of the population are Roman Catholic, and 30% are Protestant.

History
New Caledonia was visited by Captain Cook in 1774 and became French in 1853. It has been a French Overseas Territory since 1958. There are pressures for independence, and in 1988 New Caledonia was divided into three autonomous provinces.