New Caledonia offers an endless variety of landscapes, from some of the best white sand beaches in the Pacific to spectacular mountain retreats. Surrounded by a 1,600km- (1,000 mile-) long coral reef, New Caledonia also boasts the largest lagoon in the world. The reef can be as close as a few kilometres from the coast in some places and as far as 65km (41 miles) in others - with an average depth of 40m (131ft).

Unlike its volcanic neighbours, New Caledonia is a fragment of an ancient continent which drifted away some 250 million years ago. Its flora and fauna evolved in isolation, and are now quite unique: 3,500 recorded species of plants, three quarters of which occur only here; 4,300 species of land animals, 1,000 species of fish and 6,500 species of marine invertebrates.

New Caledonia is the third largest island in the Pacific Region after Papua New Guinea and New Zealand. and has been a French colony since 1853. It became a French Overseas Territory in 1946. From time to time, attempts have been made by the indigenous population to free themselves from French rule. The most serious of these was the Kanak Revolt of 1878. In recent years, intermittent conflicts have flared up between the Melanesians and the French, reflecting the widely differing attitudes that exist towards the various plans for self-government. France recognises the strategic importance of the island for nuclear testing.

18,575 sq km (7,172 sq miles).

236,528 (official estimate 2006).

12.7 per sq km.

Nouméa. Population: 91,396 (2004).

French Overseas Territory since 1957.  

French is the official language, but there are approximately 30 different Melanesian languages. English and Japanese are also widely spoken.

Vast Christian majority, with 59% Roman Catholic.

GMT + 11.

There is a casual atmosphere, and local traditions still prevail alongside European customs. Casual wear is the norm, but smart restaurants require a more formal style of dress. Long trousers are required for men at night in restaurants and casinos.

220 volts AC, 50Hz. European-style, two-pin plugs are in use.

Marie-Noelle Themereau since 2004.

President Nicolas Sarkozy since 2007, represented locally by High Commissioner Daniel Constantin since 2002.