16 Interesting facts about New Caledonia that will inspire you to visit

New Caledonia is fast becoming a hot destination for travellers over 60 to put onto their bucket lists. Not only because the series of islands is full of relaxing beaches with white sands and enough swaying coconut trees to make you feel like you’re on the set of Gilligan’s Island, but also because of its rich cultural history.

Read more: Add New Caledonia to your bucket list here

When you get tired of the island life, you can visit museums, and when the sun has become too much, simply step into one of the renowned art galleries to escape the heat. There is so much to see and do on this island, and the stories and tales of this former penal colony are sure to surprise.

Here are 17 surprising facts about New Caledonia that will inspire you to jump on a plane and head over right away.

1. New Caledonia is a French archipelago located in the South Pacific

2. The official language is French

3. There are also more than 30 other dialects and languages spoken including Vietnamese and Polynesian languages

4. The series of islands are located around 1,200km off the east coast of Australia

5. Most people are Roman Catholic or Protestant

6. The total land area is around 18,000 square kilometres, about the size of Wales

7. 22 species of bird are endemic to New Caledonia

8. The most famous is the New Caledonian Crow which is known for making and using tools

9. The official currency is CFP Francs

10. The highest peak on the mainland is Mont Panie, which stands around 5,344ft

11. New Caledonia’s primary export is Nickel and they have more than 25 per cent of the world’s Nickel reserves

12. The Kanak people are the indigenous inhabitants of New Caledonia

13. They make up 40 per cent of the New Caledonian population

14. They’re known for producing exquisite wooden carvings

15. “Kanak” means “Human being” in Hawaiian

16. New Caledonia fought for independence from France during the 80s and 90s and a referendum will be held before 2018 to decide

Have all these interesting facts inspired you to visit New Caledonia? Or perhaps you’ve already been? Let us know in the comments section below.