Wallis and Futuna

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Two island groups in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, an overseas territory of France; area 367 sq km/143 sq mi; population (1997 est) 14,800. The people live mostly by subsistence agriculture and farming of livestock, especially pigs and goats. Much food is imported, mainly rice, sugar and beef, as are virtually all manufactured goods. The export trade is very small, chiefly copra and handicrafts. Because of deforestation, through cutting down timber for fuel, soil erosion is a problem, especially in Futuna.

Discovered by European sailors in the 18th century, the islands became a French protectorate in 1842 and an overseas territory in 1961. Tisimasi Heofala became the kivalu, a post equivalent to prime minister, in January 2001.

The flag uses the pan-Arab colours. The design may have been inspired by the pre-1958 Iraqi flag. Effective date: 24 November 1961. >>