Synonym New Caledonia generally refers to French New Caledonia
Natural Resources
The nickel ore reserves rank first in the world, accounting for about 25% of the world’s reserves, and the largest in the world. Of iron and nickel producing countries. A new nickel mine was developed in 1997, with an annual nickel ore of 800,000 tons, which can be mined for 15 years. In 1999, nickel export revenue accounted for 89.3% of total export revenue. At the end of the same year, a Canadian company invested US$50 million in the establishment of a nickel smelting plant in Xincai. The nickel production in Xincai is expected to reach 27,000 tons by the end of 2003. There are rich deposits of gold, silver, copper, lead and zinc in the northern part of Xinka Island. The forest area is about 250,000 hectares. The fishery resources include tuna and shrimp.
Politics
The Nouméa Agreement passed by a referendum in November 1998 will face up to the gradual transfer of various powers from France to the islands in order to improve the economic conditions and economic conditions of the Kanak people. Improve the reality of their participation in economic and social management functions. In spite of the above commitments made to stabilize the New Cameroon society, the indigenous people were still largely excluded from the economic and political society at the end of the 1990s, and most of them lived in poverty and hardship. In mid-1999, Lafleur, chairman of the Union for the Defense of Caledonia in the Republic, proposed to establish an inter-provincial economic development committee so that the more affluent southern provinces could help other provinces to develop their economies. At the end of 1999, a joint development team composed of France and Australia announced that it had discovered that Xincai had abundant natural gas and was expected to discover a considerable amount of oil reserves. From 2002 to 2004, Xincai is expected to establish two more nickel mines, which will greatly increase nickel production. From 1990 to 2000, the economy of Xincai grew at an average annual rate of 1.6%, but due to an average annual growth rate of 2.2% in population, per capita GDP still fell by an average of 0.5% per year.
Economy
Gross Domestic Product (2006): US$6.86 billion. (Calculated at the current exchange rate) GDP per capita (2006): US$28,750. Economic growth rate: 7.9% (2006)
Currency name: CFP franc (francCFP).
Exchange rate (December 6, 2008): 1 US dollar = 94.3621 Pacific francs, 1 Euro = 119.3317 Pacific francs.
Inflation rate (2006): 1.4%. In 1999, consumer prices rose by an average of 0.2%.
Unemployment rate (1999): 11.2%. (Data comes from the Bank of Hawaii)
Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fishery
In 1997, arable land accounted for 0.7% of the country’s land , The main crops are corn, yam, potato, sweet potato, coconut, pumpkin and so on. Crop production in 1999 (unit: ton): 2000 corn, 2000 yamtou 2000, potato 3000, sweet potato 3000, yam 11000, cassava 3000, coconut 15000, vegetable and melon 4000, fruit 4000.
The livestock industry mainly raises cattle and pigs. The number of livestock and the output of livestock products in 1999: 12,000 horses, 120,000 cattle, 40,000 pigs, 4,000 sheep, 17,000 goats, chickens 330,000 rabbits, 5,300 rabbits; 4,000 tons of beef, 1,000 tons of pork, 1,000 tons of poultry meat, 4,000 tons of milk, and 2,000 tons of eggs. The livestock industry is well developed, and a considerable amount of cattle, pigs, mutton, and leather are exported every year. The processing of livestock products is also relatively developed, and its products account for 5% of the total output value of the national economy.
The fishery mainly produces tuna and prawns, most of which are exported to Japan. From 1996 to 1998, the catches were 2,807 tons, 2,269 tons, and 2,880 tons. In 1999, 1906 tons of shrimp were produced.
Industry
Mainly include mining, manufacturing, construction, food processing, electric power and other industries. In 1997, the industrial output value accounted for 19.7% of the GDP, and the employed population accounted for 27.4% of the total employed population. In 1999, it produced 56424 tons of iron-nickel and crude nickel products. The power industry is mainly thermal and hydropower. In 1999, thermal power generation accounted for 71% of the total power generation, with a total power generation of 1.62 billion kWh. From 1996 to 1998, the log output was 5000 cubic meters. Mining and forestry account for 1/3 of the GDP of the domestic economy. The mining industry includes nickel ore, chromium ore, and iron ore. In the wood processing industry, sandalwood is the most precious. Nickel mining industry and tourism are the two major economic pillars. The main industrial products and grains need to be imported. The nickel mining industry was affected by political turmoil in the 1980s and price fluctuations in the international market in the 1990s, which restricted the economic development of New Cameroon. The industry was hit even more severely by the Asian financial crisis in 1998, resulting in a sharp drop in demand for nickel products. 300 workers were fired by the Nickel Mining Association, which caused unrest among the severely hit mining workers.
Tourism
In terms of tourism, Xincai is not as developed as other Pacific island countries. In 1999, the number of tourists was 99,735, and tourism revenue was US$1.12 billion. Tourists mainly come from Japan, France, Australia and New Zealand. However, in recent years, the number of tourists has increased and it has become one of the emerging tourist destination countries.
There are many shopping places around Noumea’s downtown square. One of the important places is the "New Jiba Bird Cultural Center", part of which is the zoo and botanical garden. Here you can admire Noumea’s world-famous aquarium corals. There are also tall and tall mountains, where you can breathe the freshest air. There is also the natural beauty of the east coast with its rich tropical plants and spectacular waterfalls. It is also a plantation area for coconuts and coffee. Whether you are on any island in New Caledonia, you can easily enjoy the fun.
For those who like water sports, you can freely drive windsurfing, swimming or deep-sea diving to explore the underwater world here. Other land sports include tennis, bowling, golf and so on.
In recent years, tourism has developed rapidly. In addition to Noumea, there are also Loyati, Songdo and so on. Loyati is composed of several smaller coral islands. The islands are full of beautiful coral barrier reefs and various boneless and delicious fishes. Songdo is a beautiful island, covered with araucaria, where you can engage in activities such as water skiing and yachting.
Financial Finance
The 1999 budget expenditure was 74.26 billion Pacific francs and the budget revenue was 77.747 billion Pacific francs. From 1995 to 1997, French aid was 442.3 million U.S. dollars, 396.1 million U.S. dollars, and 336 million U.S. dollars.
The main banks are:
Bank of Hawaii Nouvelle Calédonie (Bank of Hawaii Nouvelle Calédonie): Established in 1974, it is the Bank of Hawaii (with 94.5% of the shares) and Credit Lyon Owned by the bank (3% shares). As of December 1998, it had capital of 3.67777 billion Pacific francs, a reserve of 940.2 million Pacific francs, and a deposit of 46.462 billion Pacific francs. The president is William Mitchell (WillianMichael).
BanqueNationaledeParisNouvelleCalédonie: established in 1969. Formerly known as the National Bank of Paris, it was renamed in 1978. As of December 1994, it had a capital of 30 million French francs, a reserve of 159 million French francs, and a deposit of 1.927 billion French francs. The president is Gérard D'Here.
Société Générale Calédonienne de Banque: established in 1981. As of December 1997, there were 825 million Pacific francs in capital, 2 billion Pacific francs in reserves, and 36.326 billion Pacific francs in deposits. The president is Jean Louis Mattei.
BanqueCalédonienned'Investissment
AgenceFrancaisedeDeveloppement
Foreign Trade
1999 , The import value was 112.808 billion Pacific francs, the export value was 52.388 billion Pacific francs, and the trade deficit was 60.420 billion Pacific francs. The main imported products are food, machinery, solid fuels, petroleum products and transportation equipment, and the main export products are iron-nickel and crude nickel products, nickel ore and so on.
The main import and export countries and trade volume are as follows (unit: ten thousand US dollars):
Import (1999, percentage) Export (1996)
Australia 13.4 %Australia 375.4
France 39.7% France 1392.1
EU (except France) 14.6% Germany 103.1
New Zealand 5% Japan 1284.8
US 6.1% US 488.5
Transportation
Highway
The total length of roads on Xinka Island is 5980 kilometers, including 766 kilometers of asphalt roads, 589 kilometers of dirt roads, and stone surface There are 1618 kilometers of roads and 2523 kilometers of narrow roads; other islands have 470 kilometers of roads. In 1999, there were 22,600 commercial vehicles.
Water transportation
The main port of Noumea, there are regular steamers to various islands and other countries and cities. The Northern Province plans to develop Nepui Port as a deep-water port and industrial center. There are two shipping companies. International routes go to Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific island countries, Asian and European countries. In 1999, 510 ships entered the port; 1.255 million tons were unloaded and 3.79 million tons were loaded.
Air Freight
Noumea has an international airport and a domestic transportation network, providing transportation services from Noumea to other countries and cities and islands. There are two airlines: Air Caledonia routes from Nouméa to France; Caledonia International Airlines routes to Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, French Polynesia, Wallis and Futuna , Vanuatu and other places. There are also Air France flights from Noumea to Japan three times a week, and flights from Paris to Noumea every two weeks. In 1999, the passenger volume was 342,702 person-times and the freight volume was 5,077 tons.
Social undertakings
Education
A 10-year compulsory education is implemented for children aged 6-16. Schools are divided into public and church systems, both of which are under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Education. The French government funds publicly-run secondary education schools. Elementary school is a five-year system and enrolls at the age of 6; middle school enrolls at the age of 4 for elementary school and 3 years for advanced education. Colleges and universities mainly include the University of the Pacific in Xincai, and some students can study in French universities. Education funding in 1993 was 1.652 billion French francs.
Cultural undertakings
The main newspapers and periodicals are:
"Caledonian Agriculture", a publication of the Agricultural Chamber of Commerce, bimonthly, circulation of 3000 copies;
p>"Caledonia Prospects", trade union newspaper;
"The Church of New Caledonia", founded in 1976, Catholic Church publication, monthly publication, circulation 450 copies;
"Caledonia News", established in 1971, a daily newspaper with a circulation of 18,500 copies.
New Caledonia Radio: formerly known as the French Overseas Radio Station, established in 1942, it broadcasts programs in French for 24 hours a day. In addition, there is the Blue Rhythm radio station.
Xinca French Overseas Radio and Television Station: Established in 1965, it is a French overseas radio station that broadcasts 10 hours of programs every day.
People's Livelihood
In 1999, the living index (1992=100) was 111.4, and prices rose by an average of 2.0%. In 1998, the birth rate was 20.8‰, and the death rate was 5.3‰. In 1997, there were 107,000 radios, 52,000 televisions, 50,652 telephones (1999), 2,200 fax machines, and 5,427 mobile phones (1997).
History and culture
New Caledonia is a culturally diverse country, inhabited by residents of all races: Kanak, European, Polynesian, Asian People, Indonesians, Wallis, Andres, etc. live together here. People have inherited the traditional heritage and culture of Melanesia, and have also been influenced by French culture, thus forming a unique and harmonious atmosphere. From the food, architecture, art and handicrafts on the island, you can find the shadow of that unique and amazing cultural fusion.
In addition to the indigenous Melanesians, the New Caledonians are the descendants of French white criminals. Many descendants of criminals still live in the country. As the Melanesians, the Karnak people inherited traditional dances and music. These dances and music not only reflect their lives, but also become favorite performances of tourists visiting here.
Although you don’t need to find change after receiving good service in a few traditional restaurants and most European restaurants, tipping and bartering are not popular here.
New Caledonia is famous for its own branded stores, including a series of cosmetics and perfumes, which are not found in other Pacific island countries. Specialties, accessories and beer are also essential items on tourists' shopping list.
Military situation
In 2000, France had 3,100 military personnel in Xincai, including 1,050 military police.
Main cities
Noumea is the capital and main port of New Caledonia in the Southwest Pacific. At the southwestern tip of New Caledonia. The population is 70,000 (1984). Built in 1854, it was originally called the "Port of France" and was changed to Noumea in 1866. The city is surrounded by mountains on three sides and facing the sea on the other. There is a reef island outside the port as a barrier. The water inside the port is deep and calm. It is one of the best ports in the Southwest Pacific. There is a sea airport, which is an important relay port for sea and air traffic between the United States and Australia. On the reef islet 16 kilometers away from the port, there is an iron lighthouse built more than a hundred years ago, which has become the symbol of Noumea. There are a wide variety of aquariums. Industries include nickel smelting, electric power, shipbuilding, and processing of agricultural products. Export nickel, nickel ore, copra, coffee, etc.
Related reports
Natural disasters
According to the USGS Seismic Information Network, New Caledonia, a French overseas territory in the South Pacific, local time A strong earthquake with magnitude 7 on the Richter scale occurred in the early morning of January 14, 2011, and there are currently no reports of casualties.