New Caledonia: general information. New Caledonia, Noumea How to get to Caledonia

is a group of islands - New Caledonia. It has a tropical climate, magnificent beaches and truly unique nature. The well-established infrastructure is ready to receive tourists from all over the world throughout the year. Going here on vacation, you can forget about the bustle of a noisy metropolis, everyday work and fatigue. Holidays in New Caledonia exotic island with European service, entertainment and attractions, it will allow you to enjoy the environment and at the same time not infringe on your comfort.

New Caledonia belongs to the French possessions. In order for tourists from the Russian Federation to get to the islands, you must first obtain a visa. To do this, you should contact the French embassy. A special visa is not needed only in some cases.

  • Have a residence permit or a long-term visa issued by any of the Schengen countries;
  • If there is a French Schengen visa, the main thing is that its validity should be one year or more.

In order to apply for a tourist visa, you need to prepare a package of documents. Full list You should check directly with the country's embassy.

Historical and geographical reference

New Caledonia is a group of islands located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean in the Coral Sea. The area of ​​the archipelago is only 18.6 square kilometers. The capital - Noumea is located in the southern part on the very big island. As for the relief, almost the entire island is mountainous. The entire coastline is divided into small bays. It is quite difficult to get to the coast, because reefs interfere. Therefore, it is worth leaving independent attempts to cross and use the services of experienced cab drivers who know the area well.

Tourists are attracted here by very clean air, beautiful beaches and great emotions from diving. Also, not so long ago, a version was put forward that these islands are the terrestrial part of the continent of Zealand flooded many millions of years ago. More detailed information can be heard from tour guides.

New Caledonia on the map:

The climate on the island

The climate of the island belongs to the tropical trade winds. Throughout the year the weather is hot and quite humid. Throughout the year, the air temperature is almost at the same level and there are no special differences. Winter lasts from April to August, at which time the thermometer mark drops slightly and lingers at +19-24 degrees Celsius. In summer, from November to March, the temperature is slightly higher from +24 to +26 degrees. The level of precipitation on the island differs depending on the area. In the east, the average annual figure is 3000 mm, while in the west it is only 700 mm.

How to get there

It should be noted right away that from Russia direct flight to the capital of New Caledonia is not. If the vacation is planned here, you will have to prepare for the flight with several transfers. The first and very popular option on how to get there is to buy a ticket with a transfer at. There are even tours that include sightseeing in and then a flight to the islands. The next option that tourists can use is a flight with a transfer to. It is worth noting that the cost of this type of ticket will be quite high. A more economical option is to buy a ticket with two transfers. The first will be carried out in Seoul and the second in Sydney.

Transport on the island

Note to tourists: traffic on the island is right-handed. You can move around the island public transport which is represented by buses. It should be noted right away that they go quite rarely. Most often, tourists use the services of taxi drivers. Another great alternative is the car rental service.

Car rental

New tourists and experienced guests are surprised by the beautiful view of the island and the landscapes that open around. Planning a cultural program for the holidays is not difficult. The problem could be lack of time. In order not to waste time traveling by public transport, it is worth renting a car. This service is available to almost everyone. Some travel programs already include a rental car. Those who do not know how to drive a car or simply do not want to drive can additionally order the services of a professional driver. The cost of renting a car should be specified on the spot. The price will depend on the company offering the service, the rental period and the brand of the car.

Required documents: international driver's license, credit card.

Where to stay

It should be noted right away that New Caledonia is enough small island, and in one trip you can see all the sights. For active rest You need to make sure you have a comfortable stay. On the islands, tourists are offered about 70 hotels of various levels to choose from. The price range is very wide. Everyone will be able to choose the most suitable option for themselves. Most a large number of places to stay are located in Kona and Noumea.

For budget holiday a more limited selection. IN big cities the average cost of booking the most affordable option will be 1,500 rubles. In smaller settlements you can find hotels where the cost per room will be about 900-1000 rubles.

For tourists who have an unlimited budget, the choice of hotels is much larger. A suite in a five-star hotel can cost up to 50,000 rubles. There are options with sea views, a private pool and the maximum set for royal comfort. The average cost of this category of rooms varies within 10,000 rubles.

Kitchen

Cuisine in New Caledonia is quite diverse. Here, everyone can choose dishes to their taste. Here are the cuisines - European, Chinese, Japanese and, of course, national. As such national cuisine not on the islands, but each dish is prepared using some secrets. Only high quality products are used for cooking. Vegetables and fruits are grown all year round.

TO national dishes include all the delicacies prepared from freshly caught Pacific fish. Among the most popular dishes that you should definitely try:

  • Squids, shrimps, lobsters and other representatives of the sea;
  • Seaweed marinated in a specially prepared walnut and lemon sauce;
  • Salads made from raw fish and cheese.

Also, the menu may include various root crops of local growth.

The Bougna dish is very popular with arriving guests; chicken or fish fillet is used for its preparation. Having processed the ingredient with spices, it is wrapped in banana leaves. It is prepared on hot stones, which are preheated over a fire. After 20 minutes of such cooking, the local dish is served at the table.

As for drinking, there is no production of alcoholic products on the island. Everything is imported from other countries. But this does not limit tourists in their choice. In any cafe or restaurant a huge range of products of the highest quality is presented.

Attractions of the island

Not only beach holiday New Caledonia guests will love it. There are several places in the capital that are worth visiting without fail, among them are:

  • The Bernheim Library is named after the world famous French doctor. The library is famous for its unique architecture with many columns. Among the literature you can find fiction books and popular science.
  • In the capital there are many museums of different directions - Territorial, Maritime, Historical. In each, you can get to know the city and the island as a whole.
  • The city aquarium presents its viewers with almost 300 species of ocean inhabitants. Huge panoramic windows make it possible to plunge into sea ​​world and look at the life of its inhabitants.
  • Cathedral of St. Joseph perfect place for tourists, since Saint Joseph is the patron saint of travelers. The Catholic Cathedral was erected by the first settlers. Today it is the decoration of the city center.

In addition to the capital itself, attractions are located in other parts of the island. Tourists should also visit such places:

  • The city of La Foa - this settlement was built by the students of Eiffel himself.
  • Burai is a settlement located in the northern part of the island. The beauty of this place is revealed against the backdrop of the rock of La Roche. On the beach, you can also sometimes see sea turtles that crawl out onto land.

beach holiday

In New Caledonia you can relax throughout the year. The average annual temperature is around 24 degrees Celsius. Precipitation falls evenly throughout the year, with January being the rainiest month. The most popular beach among tourists is Enns Vata. Its length is two kilometers, clean white sand attracts everyone.

What else is worth knowing about holidays in New Caledonia

Network and Communication

Access to wireless Internet can be obtained in hotels, as well as in some specialized cafes in the capital. cellular represented by GSM 900 standards. There is coverage throughout the island. It should be noted that the mobile operator of the island does not provide roaming with the Russian Federation. Also, the entire territory of the island is covered by the Thuraya satellite communication system. International code countries - 687.

Shopping and what to bring from the islands

As in any tourist place New Caledonia offers a variety of shops and shops where you can buy souvenirs and other goods. Most often, tribal artifacts are taken from the island as gifts. Among women, local dresses are very popular, which are distinguished by bright colors and interesting prints.

Interesting and unique gifts can be purchased from Caldoshells-Creation. Among the exhibits on offer are various sculptures made of black coral and interestingly shaped sea shells from the very bottom of the Pacific Ocean, as well as various art objects.

You can admire New Caledonia in the video:

New Caledonia is a place where a young couple, a family with children, single people and representatives of other social strata can relax. There are plenty of entertainment for all tastes. Beautiful scenery and great weather make for a great holiday.

Geographic Encyclopedia

NEW CALEDONIA- (Nouvelle Caledonie) a group of islands in the southwestern part of the Pacific approx., in Melanesia. possession of France. Consists of a large island Nov. Caledonia (16.7 thousand km²) and smaller islands. total area 19 thousand km². Population 180 thousand people ... ... Big Encyclopedic Dictionary

New Caledonia- (Nouvelle Caledonie) group o wow in the southwest. parts of the Pacific It consists of a large island of H. K. (16.7 thousand km2) and a group of small islands (Loyauté, Pen, etc.). Total sq. 19 thousand km2. Hac. OK. 150 thousand people (1984). Adm. center of Noumea. Official language … Geological Encyclopedia

new caledonia- n., number of synonyms: 2 island (218) country (281) ASIS synonym dictionary. V.N. Trishin. 2013 ... Synonym dictionary

New Caledonia- (New Caledonia), a group of islands in the south. parts of the Pacific Ocean. The first settlers appeared here at least 3 thousand years before Captain James Cook discovered the islands in 1774. The French annexed N.K. in 1853 and from 1864 they used this ... The World History

NEW CALEDONIA- Territory 19 thousand square kilometers, population 145 thousand people. Agriculture employs 70% of the indigenous population. Cultivated mainly coconut palm and coffee. Hairless sheep are bred. Their number is 5 thousand ... World sheep breeding

New Caledonia- (Nouvelle Calédonie), a group of islands in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, in Melanesia. possession of France. Comprises major island New Caledonia (16.7 thousand km2) and smaller islands. The total area is 19 thousand km2. Population 191 thousand people ... ... encyclopedic Dictionary

New Caledonia- (French Nouvelle Calédonie) a group of islands in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, in Melanesia (See Melanesia). Possession of France (" overseas territory"). It consists of the main island of N.K. (area 16.7 thousand km2), the Loyalty Islands group and ... ... Great Soviet Encyclopedia

New Caledonia- an island in the southwest parts of the Pacific Ocean, in Melanesia; possession of France. The island was discovered by the English navigator J. Cook in 1774; he also gave it the name New Caledonia in honor of Scotland, which in the time of Rome. The empire was called Caledonia. See also… … Toponymic Dictionary

New Caledonia- (New Caledonia, French Nouvelle Calédonie) New Caledonia, islands, in the southwest. parts of the Pacific Ocean, east of Australia; form a French overseas territory; sq. 18575 sq. km, 164170 people (1989); official language. French; adm. center… … Countries of the world. Dictionary

Books

  • Emilio Salgari. Collected works in 5 volumes (set of 5 books), Emilio Salgari. The first volume of this Collected Works of the remarkable author of adventure novels Emilio Salgari (1863-1911) includes the trilogy "Mortal Enemies", as well as the novel "The Talisman". In the second ... Buy for 1100 rubles
  • Treasure of the Blue Mountains. Sacred sword of the Buddha. City of the Leper King. Life is a penny. Lighthouse, Emilio Salgari. The action of the exciting novels by the remarkable author Emilio Salgari takes place on the island of New Caledonia ("Treasure of the Blue Mountains") and in South-East Asia("Holy Sword...

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The official name is the Territory of New Caledonia and Dependencies. Located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. The area is 19.1 thousand km2, the population is approx. 211 thousand people (2003). Official language- French. The capital is the city of Noumea (about 100 thousand people, 2003). Currency unit- French (clerical) Pacific franc.
Member of the Pacific Community (formerly STC, since 1983), has observer status with the Forum Pacific Islands(formerly UTF, since 1999).

It is located to the east of Australia and occupies the island of New Caledonia (16.7 thousand km2, one of the largest on pacific ocean), the Loyalty archipelago and many small islands. Length coastline- 2254 km. Geographical coordinates: 21°30 south latitude and 165°30 east longitude.

In the northwest, the island of New Caledonia is washed by the Coral Sea. Along the coast runs the world's second longest (after the Australian) coral barrier reef(1600 km), forming the world's largest outer lagoon. Two mountain ranges (highest point Panier, 1628 m) occupy 2/3 of the island and divide it into western and East Coast. In the western part, the soil is quite poor, suitable mainly for pastures. On the east, there are many short rapids rivers, lush vegetation and coconut palm plantations. In the south - numerous lakes, green vegetation interspersed with red ferruginous soils. From St. 3 thousand plant species - 80% endemic (wild orchids, eucalyptus, araucaria pine, etc.). Forest and shrub cover approx. 40% of the islands. Among mammals - only bats. Some of the over 300 bird species are found only in New Caledonia. Coastal waters are extremely rich in various marine life.

Natural resources: approx. 25% of the world's nickel reserves, there are cobalt, chromium, iron ore, manganese, silver, gold, lead and copper. The 200-mile economic zone has potentially significant fish stocks.

Attractions in New Caledonia

The climate is subtropical. From December to March - warm (on average + 25-27 ° C) and humid (up to 80%). From April to November - "cold and dry" (+19-24°С, up to 75%). The climate is semi-arid to tropical depending on the landscape. All islands are in the typhoon zone.

The population is growing at an average rate of 1.4% per year. Due to the higher birth rate, the proportion of Kanaks (Melanesians) is gradually increasing. As of 2002, they are 42%, Franco-Caledonians - 37%, Polynesians - St. 12% (immigrants from the Wallis Islands - 8.4%), Indonesians - 3.6%, Vietnamese - 1.6%, etc. In addition to French, 33 Melanesian-Polynesian dialects are used. Distributed and English language. Business life is controlled by Franco-Europeans. Up to 70% of the Kanaks are employed in agriculture.

Infant mortality 8 pers. per 1000 newborns. Life expectancy for men is 71 years, for women - 77 years. Properly St. 90% of the adult population.

Catholics make up 60% of the population, Protestants-Calvinists - 30%. There are adherents of other Christian religions, Islam, Buddhism, etc.

In 1774, the first European to visit the island was J. Cook, who named it after the ancient name of his native Scotland - Caledonia. France annexed the island in 1853. The indigenous population of the Kanaks (Melanesians) back in the 19th century. began the struggle for independence, periodically raising uprisings that were suppressed by the colonialists. Since 1956, New Caledonia has been an "overseas territory" of France, until 1984 it was ruled by its high commissioner. As a result of armed clashes between the Kanaks and French troops (supported by the Franco-Caledonians), the Matignon Agreement was signed in 1988, expanding the autonomy of the territory and providing for a referendum on independence in 10 years. But according to the 1998 Treaty of Noumea, before the referendum, a “preparatory” period (15-20 years) was established for the gradual expansion of the powers of local governments, the introduction of local citizenship, etc. In 1999, territorial and provincial elections were held and the first government of New Caledonia began to operate. In addition to disagreements between the pro-independence Kanaks and the Franco-Europeans (which affects the activities of their coalition government), there is tension (up to bloody clashes) in relations between the Kanaks and people from the Wallis and Futuna Islands. In addition, the Kanak independence movement itself is also split, which together leaves the domestic political situation difficult, despite the successes associated with the implementation of the Treaty of Nouméa.

New Caledonia is an "overseas territory" of France with internal self-government status. The French President is represented by the High Commissioner. The legislature is the unicameral Congress of New Caledonia, consisting of 54 deputies of the three Provincial Assemblies (elected by popular vote for 5 years, next elections in 2004). The deputies elect the president - the head of government (P. Frogier, re-elected in 2002) and the executive committee - the government.

The territory is divided into 3 provinces: Northern and Southern (more than 65% of the population) in New Caledonia and the Loyalty Islands.

The administrative center of Noumea is home to the secretariat of the Pacific Community (formerly PTC).

Prominent Kanak figures include Jean-Marie Tjibau, a popular leader who was assassinated in 1989.

Main political parties: United for Caledonia as part of the Republic (24 seats in Congress), Kanak Socialist and National Liberation Front (18 seats, it includes the Kanak Liberation Party, the Caledonian Union, the Melanesian Progressive Union, etc.), the Federation of Independence Cooperation Committees (4) , National Front (4), Alliance for Caledonia (3), etc. Residents of the territory participate in the elections of the President and Parliament of France, having 2 deputies in the National Assembly and a senator.

New Caledonia has no diplomatic relations with Russia.

GDP per capita US$14,000 (Purchasing Power Parity, 2002). The share of agriculture in GDP is 5%, industry - 30%, services - 65%. 7% of workers are employed in agriculture, 23% in industry and construction, and 70% in the service sector. Unemployment - ok. 20%.

The basis of the economy is nickel mining and concentrate production (3rd place in the world, 130 thousand tons). New projects are being implemented to expand production (for 2003-05 it is planned to invest $2 billion with production of 200,000 tons of concentrate per year).

Agriculture provides food needs for only 1/3. Coconut palm, corn, yams, vegetables and fruits are cultivated. Cattle are raised.

The manufacturing industry is represented by food industry, metallurgy, building materials and woodworking enterprises.

The length of roads is 4.8 thousand km (2.3 thousand km - with a hard surface). In Noumea - the main sea ​​port And international Airport. Out of 30 airports, 9 have runways paved, there are 5 helipads. The use of modern communication services is developing - by 2001 the number of Internet users reached 24 thousand people.

New Caledonia is visited by more than 100 thousand tourists a year (mainly Japanese, French and Australians). Tourism is important in reducing dependence on nickel mining, and its growth has so far been hampered by insufficient infrastructure development, but projects are underway to improve it.

Export of nickel ore and concentrates - 75% of exports. Food (20% of imports), fuel, machinery and equipment are imported. Main partners: France, Japan, Australia. An important role is retained by the financial assistance of France (more than 1/4 of GDP).

Primary education is compulsory and free. In addition to 250 primary and approx. 30 public and private (Catholic) secondary schools, there is St. 20 vocational schools, several lyceums and 5 higher education institutions.

Traditional Kanak culture is preserved in its most original form in the Loyalty Islands.