Country Information
| Sovereign State | No (Special collectivity of France) |
| Country Codes | NC, NCL, 540 |
| Official Name | New Caledonia |
| Continent | Oceania |
| Capital | Nouméa |
| Government Type | Special collectivity of France |
| Currency | CFP Franc (XPF) |
| Calling Code | +687 |
| Member Of | Not a member of the United Nations, as it is a special collectivity of France |
| Population | Approximately 287,000 |
| Total Area | 18,576 km² |
| Highest Point | Mont Panié (1,628 meters, 5,341 feet) |
| Lowest Point | Pacific Ocean (0 meters, 0 feet) |
| GDP Per Capita | USD 38,921 |
| Life Expectancy | 77 years |
| Internet TLD | .nc |
New Caledonia National Anthem
La Marseillaise (The Song of Marseille)
(Note: As a part of France, New Caledonia uses the national anthem of France, “La Marseillaise.”)
Arise, children of the Fatherland,
The day of glory has arrived!
Against us, tyranny’s
Bloody banner is raised, (repeat)
Do you hear, in the countryside,
The roar of those ferocious soldiers?
They’re coming right into your arms
To cut the throats of your sons, your women!
To arms, citizens,
Form your battalions,
Let’s march, let’s march!
Let an impure blood
Water our furrows! (repeat)
Flags of Neighboring Countries
History of the New Caledonia Flag
New Caledonia, being a special collectivity of France, officially uses the French national flag, the Tricolore. However, New Caledonia also has its own regional flag, which was adopted on July 17, 2010, and is widely recognized as a symbol of the territory’s unique cultural identity.
The regional flag of New Caledonia features three vertical bands of blue, red, and green. The blue band contains a yellow sun with rays extending to the edges of the flag, symbolizing light and hope. The red band in the center bears a yellow flèche faîtière, a traditional Kanak symbol representing a spearhead, signifying protection. The green band symbolizes the lush vegetation and rich natural resources of the island.
The flag’s adoption was a significant step in recognizing the distinct cultural identity of the Kanak people, the indigenous inhabitants of New Caledonia, and integrating it with the territory’s status as a part of France. The decision to have two official flags, the French Tricolore and the New Caledonian flag, was a move to symbolize the harmonious coexistence of the two cultures and the unique status of New Caledonia within the French Republic.
The New Caledonian flag is a symbol of the territory’s diverse heritage and its aspirations for the future. It is a point of pride for both the Kanak people and other residents of New Caledonia, representing their rich history, cultural diversity, and the natural beauty of their island home. The flag is prominently displayed alongside the French Tricolore on public buildings, at official events, and during cultural celebrations, symbolizing the unity and identity of New Caledonia.