{"id":35016,"date":"2020-03-04T21:08:13","date_gmt":"2020-03-04T20:08:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dreamyachtcharter.com\/blog\/interesting-facts-about-new-caledonia-we-bet-you-didnt-know\/"},"modified":"2022-11-09T15:37:39","modified_gmt":"2022-11-09T14:37:39","slug":"interesting-facts-about-new-caledonia-we-bet-you-didnt-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dreamyachtcharter.com\/gb\/blog\/interesting-facts-about-new-caledonia-we-bet-you-didnt-know\/","title":{"rendered":"Interesting facts about New Caledonia we bet you didn’t know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you\u2019re always on the lookout for a best-kept-secret tropical vacation destination, you\u2019ll want to read our <\/span>interesting facts about <\/span>New Caledonia<\/span><\/a>. While many have heard of the islands of New Caledonia, many more know very little about them \u2013 or even where in the world they are. Read on, and you just may find yourself planning a secluded sun-filled sailing escape!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

New Caledonia is a French territory, but it\u2019s located in the South Pacific<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The country was discovered by James Cook, a British naval captain and explorer, on September 4, 1774 while on a three-year voyage aboard HMS Resolution. He named it New Caledonia, as it reminded him of Scotland.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

New Caledonia is an archipelago off the coast of <\/span>Australia<\/span><\/a> in the South Pacific and New Caledonians speak French as the main language. It\u2019s surrounded by the well-known paradise islands of Fiji and Tonga to the east, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu in the north, while New Zealand is to the south and Australia to the west. Lying 750 miles east of mainland Australia, it takes less than three hours to reach New Caledonia from Sydney, Australia. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The land area of New Caledonia is bigger than Hawaii<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The country has a land area of 7,172 square miles \u2013 rather small, but bigger than Hawaii and about the size of New Jersey. It offers visitors mountains, rainforests, coral reefs and islands. The territory consists of four archipelagos, including the main island of Grande Terre, the Loyalty Islands and many smaller islands. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Loyalty Islands include Lifou, Mar\u00e9 and Ouv\u00e9a and can be found off Grands Terre. If you love vanilla then head to Lifou, which is a key producer of the Madagascan variety. Mar\u00e9 is known for its avocados and Ouv\u00e9a for its coconut oil. You can extend your stay in New Caledonia by catching a connecting flight from our base in Noumea to the Loyalty Islands.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

New Caledonia is a stunning tropical island paradise<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The coast of New Caledonia is blessed with some of the world\u2019s most idyllic beaches, and crystal clear waters. One example for you to explore is Kuto Bay, Isle of Pines, where you will find sheltered sweeping white sands and azure waters, as well as beachside dining spots. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beyond the palm-fringed beaches, the diverse geography boasts hidden coves, misty mountains, towering cliffs and abundant bushlands and forests \u2013 all set within a sunny tropical climate. Over 100,000 tourists flock here each year to take in the famed beaches, warmth and beauty.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The indigenous people of New Caledonia make up 42% of the population<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The country was settled by the Kanak people over 3,000 years ago and it\u2019s an interesting fact about New Caledonia that the Melanesians are still the largest segment of the population. The Kanak people live in tribes, led by a chief, mostly on Grande Terre, Isle of Pines and the Loyalty Islands. You can stay on their land but must respect their traditions and customs, such as giving a gift and introducing yourself to the tribe.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The remaining population is a melting pot of people and cultures, including European, Tahitian, Indonesian, Vietnamese, and more. The diversity of influences has created a rich, exciting culture of traditions, languages and gastronomy.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

New Caledonia is rich in nickel and minerals<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another <\/span>interesting fact about New Caledonia<\/span> is that nickel is the island\u2019s primary export, and the country is estimated to hold about 10% of the entire world\u2019s nickel reserves. An engineer named Jules Garnier began mining nickel on New Caledonia in 1894. From 1960 onwards, nickel mining and production operations played a major role in the country\u2019s economic development. Today New Caledonia is the third largest Pacific nation by GDP, following its considerably larger neighbours, Australia and New Zealand.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The world\u2019s largest lagoon surrounds the entire island <\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The lagoon encircling New Caledonia is the world\u2019s largest at over 9,000 square miles. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. The surrounding barrier reef is one of world\u2019s largest and the marine biodiversity found here is known to be exceptional. It\u2019s home to green, hawksbill, loggerhead and leatherback turtles, tropical bird, rare crabs and, for part of the year, humpback whales.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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