New Caledonia

New Caledonia is a French territory comprising dozens of islands in the South Pacific. It's known for its palm-lined beaches and marine-life-rich lagoon, which, at 24,000-sq.-km, is among the world's largest. A massive barrier reef surrounds the main island, Grand Terre, a major scuba-diving destination. The capital, Nouméa, is home to French-influenced restaurants and luxury boutiques selling Parisian fashions.

Capital: Nouméa

Currency: CFP franc

Continent: Oceania

Official language: French

Cool Facts about New Caledonia:

• New Caledonia is a French archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean.
• Its nearest neighbours are Solomon Islands to the northwest, Vanuatu to the north, Wallis and Futuna, Fiji and Tonga to the east, New Zealand to the south and Australia to the west.
• The terrain here is dominated by stunning coastal plains with mountains further inland.
• The total land area of New Caledonia is 7,172 square miles- slightly smaller than Wales
• New Caledonia’s population was 271,615 in 2015…
• The capital is Nouméa; it covers an area of 17.6 square miles (45.7 square kilometres) and had a population of 181,000 in 2014.
• New Caledonians enjoy a tropical climate with hot and humid summers, followed by a rainy season from December to February.
• There are 22 species of bird endemic to New Caledonia, including the New Caledonian Crow which is known for making its own tools!
• New Caledonia boasts the second longest double barrier reef in the world, with a length of more than 900 miles!
• The official language of New Caledonia is French, although there are 33 local dialects also spoken here!
• Before you set sail for New Caledonia you’ll want to pack a few CFP Francs, the official currency here.
• This tropical country grows yams, cassava and sweet potato; they also rear cattle and catch fish.
• Its industry consists of tourism, nickel mining and smelting.
• New Caledonia exports ferro-nickels, nickel ore and fish.

some of the produce that went into the chicken

caneles de bordeaux, french pastries.  French food meets tropical food in this French island paradise

tropical fruit, avocado, shrimp and stewed chicken over couscous rounded out our New Caledonian meal