People & place
15.8 /km² across 18,580 km²
New Caledonia has a recorded population of 292,639 and a reported surface area of 18,580 km².
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MelanesiaNew Caledonia
Nouvelle-Calédonie
New Caledonia is a country or territory in Melanesia. Its capital is Noumea.
- Population
- 293K15.8 /km²
- Surface area
- 18,580 km²
- GDP
- $8.5B$29K per capita
- Capital
- Noumea
New Caledonia is located in Melanesia, and its capital is Noumea. It has a population of approximately 292,639 and covers an area of about 18,580 km². Its official currency is the CFP franc (XPF).
What stands out
Economic snapshot
$8.55 billion nominal GDP
Nominal GDP is recorded at $8.55 billion and GDP per capita at $29,213 for 2024. These measures do not describe income distribution or household wealth.
Practical reference
CFP franc (XPF)
New Caledonia uses CFP franc (XPF), calling code +687, internet domain .nc.
About New Caledonia
New Caledonia is a special collectivity of France located in the southwest Pacific Ocean.
It is an archipelago consisting of five islands and a number of small neighboring islets. The main island, Grande Terre, is the largest and most populated.
New Caledonia has a rich cultural heritage, a blend of Melanesian, European, and Asian influences. The indigenous Kanak people have a distinct culture and traditions.
Inhabited by Melanesian peoples for centuries, New Caledonia was claimed by France in 1853 and became a French overseas territory. It has a complex history of decolonization and political status.
Key facts
- Capital: Nouméa
- Official Language: French
- Currency: CFP franc
This overview is AI-assisted and grounded with available atlas facts and reference material. Treat linked primary data as authoritative. Read the methodology.
Country data & reference
Capital
Noumea
Population
292,639 (15.8 /km²)
Surface Area
18,580 km²
GDP
$8.55 billion (2024)
GDP per Capita
$29,213 (2024)
Native Name
Nouvelle-Calédonie
Nationality
New Caledonian
Currency
CFP franc (XPF - ₣)Phone Code
+687
Top-Level Domain
.nc
ISO Codes
NC / NCL
Coordinates
-21.5, 165.5
Time zones
- Pacific/Noumea (UTC+11:00)
Population, area and economic figures use the latest available values from World Bank Open Data; reporting years can vary by country. See sources and methodology for indicator definitions, mapping attribution, and editorial limitations.
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Provinces in New Caledonia
New Caledonia: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capital of New Caledonia?
The capital of New Caledonia is Noumea.
What is the population of New Caledonia?
New Caledonia has a recorded population of approximately 292,639 people.
How big is New Caledonia?
New Caledonia covers an area of about 18,580 km².
What is the population density of New Caledonia?
New Caledonia has a population density of roughly 15.8 /km² (people per square kilometre).
What is the GDP of New Caledonia?
New Caledonia has a gross domestic product (GDP) of approximately $8.55 billion as of 2024.
What is the GDP per capita of New Caledonia?
New Caledonia has a GDP per capita of approximately $29,213.
What currency is used in New Caledonia?
New Caledonia uses the CFP franc (XPF), with the symbol ₣.
Where is New Caledonia located?
New Caledonia is located in Melanesia, Oceania.
What is the native name of New Caledonia?
The native name of New Caledonia is Nouvelle-Calédonie.
What are people from New Caledonia called?
People from New Caledonia are referred to as New Caledonian.
What is the phone calling code for New Caledonia?
The international dialing code for New Caledonia is +687.
What is the internet domain for New Caledonia?
The country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for New Caledonia is .nc.
What time zone is New Caledonia in?
New Caledonia uses the Pacific/Noumea time zone.
What is New Caledonia known for?
New Caledonia is a special collectivity of France located in the southwest Pacific Ocean.
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