New Caledonia Introduction - 2005

Background:
Settled by both Britain and France during the first half of the 19th century, the island was made a French possession in 1853. It served as a penal colony for four decades after 1864. Agitation for independence during the 1980s and early 1990s has dissipated.

NOTE: The information regarding New Caledonia on this page is re-published from the 2005 World Fact Book of the United States Central Intelligence Agency. No claims are made regarding the accuracy of New Caledonia Introduction 2005 information contained here. All suggestions for corrections of any errors about New Caledonia Introduction 2005 should be addressed to the CIA.