New Caledonia

The history of the islands and settlements dates back to 1500 BC – it is to these years that the settlement of the islands dates back. Then, in the 1774th century, Polynesian people arrived on the island, who mixed with the original inhabitants over the next generations. The modern history of the region does not begin until XNUMX, when Captain James Cook discovered the islands during his second voyage around the world. The shapes of the islands reminded sailors of the coast of Scotland – hence the reference to the name of the historical land of Caledonia, located in the north of Great Britain, the only part of this island that was not conquered by Rome.

The history of New Caledonia has been linked to France since 1853. First, there was a penal colony for participants of the Paris Commune, and in subsequent years, repressive decrees were used to restrict the freedom of the indigenous inhabitants, who were the workforce for the new rulers. Numerous uprisings in which the Kanaks tried to free themselves from the colonialists' rule did not bring about a change in the situation. During World War II, there was a strategic base of Allied forces in the Pacific. Only after the war, as in the rest of the world, did the processes of decolonization accelerate, as did the restoration of freedoms to citizens and the establishment of equality before the law - in the case of New Caledonia, the symbolic date is 1957, when the Kanaks obtained full voting rights.

Independence processes and referendums on independence have been ongoing since the 70s. Since 1998, New Caledonia has been an overseas territory with a special status and is fully administratively independent. In 2018, the idea of ​​separating from France was rejected by referendum. Further referenda have been announced for 2020 and 2022.

New Caledonia is located about 1300 km from the east coast of Australia, just over 2 hours' flight from Sydney, Brisbane or Auckland. They consist of the Main Island with the capital Noumea and an archipelago of several smaller islands - the Loyalty Islands, Ile des Pins and Chesterfield Islands. The landscape is mostly quite mountainous, and the climate is mild and tropical. Along the coast there are coral reefs, some of the longest in the world, and the coastline itself is quite diverse: there is no shortage of rocky cliffs, bays and peninsulas jutting into the ocean waters. Water sports enthusiasts will not be disappointed, while beach lovers will also find postcard landscapes associated with Pacific islands and relaxation under palm trees.

The highest peaks on the island reach over 1600 meters and are of volcanic origin, together with the dense and evergreen vegetation, creating fantastic places for naturalists and active tourists. Many years of isolation have resulted in the islands being inhabited by many endemic species of fauna and flora: it is especially worth mentioning the birds and underwater life, which can be easily admired while diving - this is one of the best diving destinations in the world. Visitors are also favored by good or even great weather, which lasts most of the year: there are over 300 sunny days, temperatures rarely fall below a pleasant 17-20°C and just as rarely rise above 30°C.

The culture reflects the traditions of the original inhabitants of the island, in whose lives dance and music played important roles. Even modern music tries to combine current rock, reggae or soul sounds with Kanak music. Everyday influences of French and European customs and lifestyles are obvious, but for the indigenous people traditional forms of expressing respect, social bonds or feelings are still important. Welcome ceremonies and inviting someone to your home or village are particularly important and present. Woodcarving (totems, masks, jewellery) and basket weaving dominated the traditional arts.

As in France, Christianity is dominant here, and there is freedom of religion. The indigenous people and the Kanaks have their own traditional animalistic and primitive beliefs, but they are rarely cultivated. There are also religions such as Islam, whose followers are mainly descendants of Indonesians and Algerians from the colonial era, and Buddhism, introduced by social minorities from Asia.