Download or read book Introduction to New Caledonia written by Gilad James, PhD and published by Gilad James Mystery School. This book was released on with total page 114 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: New Caledonia is a French territory located in the South Pacific Ocean. It consists of a main island, known as Grande Terre, and several smaller islands. The population of New Caledonia is around 280,000, with the majority of the population living in the capital city of Noumea on Grande Terre. The official language is French, but the indigenous Kanak people also speak several indigenous languages. The economy of New Caledonia is largely dependent on the mining industry, specifically nickel production, which accounts for around 80% of the country’s export revenue. Tourism is also important, with visitors attracted to the country’s beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and unique cultural heritage. New Caledonia has a complex cultural and political history. It was originally inhabited by the Kanak people, who had their own distinct cultures and languages. The territory was then colonized by the French in the 19th century and used as a penal colony. In the 20th century, the decolonization movement led to a rise in Kanak nationalism and demands for independence. This resulted in a period of violence and conflict, known as the “Events” of the 1980s, which eventually led to the signing of the Noumea Accord in 1998. The accord provided for a gradual transfer of power from France to New Caledonia, with a referendum on independence planned for 2021. The political situation in New Caledonia remains contentious, with sharp divisions between those who support independence and those who wish to maintain ties with France.