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COUNTRY INFORMATION - NEW CALEDONIA

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Location of New Caledonia
New Caledonia is an island group approximately 930 miles off the north-east coast of Australia. Mountains run the entire length of the main island. On the western side, the land is relatively flat and forested by gum trees. The east coast is more mountainous with beautiful seashores fringed by tropical plants. Crystalline serpentine rock covers more than half the island. About 30 miles south-eastwards lies Ile des Pins (Kunie), an island famed for its caves and grottos containing stalactites and stalagmites. The Loyalty Group lies to the east of New Caledonia, the main islands being Ouvéa, Lifou and Maré. The remaining islands are the Chesterfield Group, Hunter, Huon Group, Matthew and Walpole.

Airports
Nouméa international airport is 31 miles from the city and the travel time around 45 minutes. Taxi and coach services are available to the city. It is advisable to book transfers before arrival in New Caledonia.

Language
French is the official language, but Melanesian is also spoken. English is also widely spoken.

Places To Go
Nouméa, the capital, near the south-eastern tip of Grande Terre, overlooks one of the world’s largest sheltered natural harbours. Nouméa is a busy little city with a population composed of many racial groups: French; Melanesian; Vietnamese; and Polynesian, amongst others. The main square, the Place des Cocotiers, has recently undergone extensive restoration. Minibuses and Le Petit Train are probably the best ways of seeing the city and its suburbs. The centre of the network is the bus station on the Place des Cocotiers. Attractions in the city include St.Joseph’s Cathedral, museums, the market, many old colonial houses and the Aquarium, one of the world’s leading centres of marine scientific research. Nearby, the South Pacific Commission Building houses a collection of native handicrafts from all over the South Seas. The New Caledonia Museum is open Tuesday to Saturday, and also contains many local handicrafts and ornaments. The port in Nouméa situates the new Museum of Maritime History. The Tjibaou Cultural Centre in Nouméa is a new venue for concerts, plays and exhibitions celebrating indigenous cultural traditions.

Excursions: Approximately 2.5 miles from the city centre is the Botanical Park, home to over 700 species of animals. Also near Nouméa is the Amedée Lighthouse, constructed in Paris during the reign of Napoleon III and shipped to New Caledonia in pieces. It is located in a coral reef 11 miles from the capital. The lagoon, which is the biggest in the world, offers good opportunities for swimming and scuba diving.

East of the capital is Mont-Dore, a mountain surrounded by magnificent coastal scenery. On the way, stops can be made at the Melanesian village of St.Louis, and the Plum Lookout for a spectacular view across the surrounding reef. The Blue River Provincial Park is well worth a visit. Day trips are available from the capital.

New Caledonia Tourism South
20 rue Anatole France,
Immeuble Nouméa-Centre,
Place des Cocotiers,
BP 688,
98845 Nouméa Cédex,
New Caledonia
Tel: 242 080.
Fax: 242 070.
E-mail: info@nouvellecaledonietourisme-sud.com
Website: www.newcaledoniatourism-south.com

New Caledonia Tourism South
7 rue du General Bertrand,
75007 Paris,
France
Tel: (1) 4273 6980.
Fax: (1) 4273 6989.
E-mail: info-par@nouvellecaledonietourisme-sud.com

Office of the High Commissioner
1 avenue du Maréchal Foch,
PO Box C5,
98844 Nouméa,
New Caledonia
Tel: 266 300. Fax: 272 828.
E-mail: haussariat@hc.etat.nc
Website: www.etat.nc

British Honorary Consulate
14 rue Sarrail,
Mont Coffyn,
98800 Nouméa,
New Caledonia
Postal address:
BP 362,
98845 Nouméa,
New Caledonia
Tel: 282 153.
Fax: 285 144.
E-mail: gbconsul@offratel.nc

CIA World Factbook -   New Caledonia

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