New Caledonia Fr. It comprises the island of New Caledonia, the Isle of Pines, the Loyalty Islands , Walpole Island, and the Huon, Chesterfield, and Belep groups. The island of New Caledonia is rich in mineral resources, especially nickel, chrome, iron, manganese, cobalt, gold, and silver. It is densely forested in some places, but almost all the kauri pine that was once an important export has been cut down. The principal industries are the mining and refining of nickel, iron mining, and the production of coffee and copra.
Tourism is also important.
Cattle and poultry are raised, but many foodstuffs must still be imported. France, Japan, and Australia are the largest trading partners. French and several Melanesian and Polynesian dialects are spoken. The government consists of a high commissioner appointed by France, an elected territorial congress, and a council. The territory is divided into three provinces, each with its own assembly.