About New Caledonia
- New Caledonia is a French overseas territory located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, approximately 1,500 km east of Australia.
History of Island
- New Caledonia, originally inhabited by the Kanaks, came under French control in 1853.
- Post-WWII, Kanaks gained French citizenship, but 1960s French migration made them a minority, sparking an independence movement.
- Tensions led to the Matignon Agreements (1988) and Nouméa Accord (1998), promising three independence referendums.
- The 2018 and 2020 referendums favored France. Despite COVID-19 concerns, the 2021 referendum also favoured France, angering the Kanaks.
Significance of New Caledonia for France
- Strategic location: Situated in the South Pacific, New Caledonia provides France with a military and geopolitical presence in a region with growing global interest, particularly with increasing influence from China.
- Economic resources: The island is rich in natural resources, notably nickel, which is vital for various industries, including manufacturing and technology.
