French overseas territory in the Pacific Ocean. Borders with the economic zone of Australia, Vanuatu, Fiji. In...
French overseas territory in the Pacific Ocean. Borders with the economic zone of Australia, Vanuatu, Fiji.
In 1774, the islands were discovered by James Cook during his voyage around the world. New Caledonia is the ancient name of Scotland, the birthplace of the famous navigator.
French.
The time difference between Moscow and Noumea is 8 hours.
275,355 people (2016).
National composition: Melanesians (Kanaki), Whites, Uveans and Futunans, Polynesians, Indonesians, Vietnamese, Ni-Vanuatu.
Most of the inhabitants of new Caledonia are Christians, Sunni Muslims, followers of traditional beliefs.
Tropical trade wind, very hot and humid. The air temperature remains constant throughout the year.
The rainy season comes from December to March.
The average air temperature in summer is +24 C ... + 26 C, in winter from + 20 C to + 24 C.
French Pacific franc.
A visa is required to enter the country and can be obtained from the consular department of the French Embassy.
The number of imported and exported means of payment is not limited.
It is forbidden to bring narcotic substances, weapons, ammunition, raw meat from certain countries, animals and plants that are included in the list of endangered species.
It is forbidden to import domestic birds and fighting dogs.
When importing medicines, you need to be ready to present a prescription or a certificate from the attending physician.
New Caledonia is a veritable picturesque oasis in the Pacific Ocean: there is snow-white pure sand on the beaches, underwater reefs and caves, dense thickets of emerald rainforests, and, of course, the calling lights of fashionable casinos and restaurants.
In the capital Noumea there is a beautiful beach Ens Wat, a cultural center, an aquarium, a zoo and a botanical garden. It is pleasant to walk around the city: it has preserved the remains of colonial buildings, colorful streets and iconic squares. Nearby are natural attractions: Fatanoue caves, waterfalls and picturesque cliffs.
The island of Ile de Pin has the title of “the most beautiful on the planet”: turquoise ocean, white sand and blue sky. Vao is the only settlement, it has a school, shops and residential buildings.
In the settlement of La Foa, among the impenetrable pine forests and thickets of Araucaria, interesting objects have been preserved: the Pazerel de Marguerite bridge, the market and the Fort Teremba.
In the northwestern part of the island there are rich vegetation, coconut groves and coffee plantations, as well as the thermal springs of Cruen.
New Caledonia is popular as a wedding destination among the Japanese, fans of sports fishing also often visit these parts.
Most dishes are prepared according to recipes of African, Chinese, French, Indonesian, Italian and Spanish cuisine.
Main products: fish, seafood, coconuts, bananas, sweet potatoes and other root vegetables. A classic local dish is considered "buna" - chicken meat, which is wrapped in banana leaves and baked on hot stones.
Also often on the tables of local residents there are dishes from the meat of sea turtles and stingray. Special chic - blue New Caledonian shrimp. There is a deer farm on the islands, and in local restaurants you can taste the island venison of southern latitudes.
Drinks: black coffee, tea, juices from freshly squeezed juices, cocktails of coconut milk with vanilla or strawberries, a large selection of alcoholic beverages from Australia and France.
The islands of New Caledonia in a bizarre way combine modern European culture and the traditional way of life of the indigenous population - the Kanaks, the Melanesian people - the worship of ancestors, the cult of gift giving, a complex social hierarchy. Local legends and tales are still passed down by word of mouth.
Kanaki are still engaged in agricultural work, fishing, collecting copra.
When traveling to the islands, it is worth considering that, in addition to Europeans and native tribes, natives of Indonesia, Vietnam, China live in New Caledonia with their own way and habits.
In mid-March, the country celebrates the festival of Kanak Yam (batata), in May - the avocado festival, the capital hosts the regatta La Regata des Tortugues.
Bastille Day - July 14 - is celebrated on a traditional scale: fireworks, military parade. In October, the islands host the biennale of theater, music, dance Ekinox. Tremba Fort hosts an exhibition of sounds and light effects. Christmas and New Year are celebrated noisily, cheerfully, amicably.
Photo: beach-on-map
Create a query and local guides will offer you the best options
