2016 Edition

Background

The Futuna island group was discovered by the Dutch in 1616 and Wallis by the British in 1767, but it was the French who declared a protectorate over the islands in 1842, and took official control of them between 1886 and 1888. Notably, Wallis and Futuna was the only French colony to side with the Vichy regime during World War II, a phase that ended in May of 1942 with the arrival of 2,000 American troops. In 1959, the inhabitants of the islands voted to become a French overseas territory and officially assumed this status in July 1961.

Area

142 sq km 142 sq km 0 sq km includes Ile Uvea (Wallis Island), Ile Futuna (Futuna Island), Ile Alofi, and 20 islets

land

142 sq km

note

includes Ile Uvea (Wallis Island), Ile Futuna (Futuna Island), Ile Alofi, and 20 islets

total

142 sq km

water

0 sq km

Area - comparative

1.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Climate

tropical; hot, rainy season (November to April); cool, dry season (May to October); rains 250-300 cm per year (80% humidity); average temperature 26.6 degrees Celsius

Coastline

129 km

Elevation

NA lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Mont Singavi (on Futuna) 765 m

elevation extremes

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point

Mont Singavi (on Futuna) 765 m

mean elevation

NA

Environment - current issues

deforestation (only small portions of the original forests remain) largely as a result of the continued use of wood as the main fuel source; as a consequence of cutting down the forests, the mountainous terrain of Futuna is particularly prone to erosion; there are no permanent settlements on Alofi because of the lack of natural freshwater resources

Geographic coordinates

13 18 S, 176 12 W

Geography - note

both island groups have fringing reefs

Irrigated land

0 sq km (2012)

Land boundaries

0 km

Land use

42.8% arable land 7.1%; permanent crops 35.7%; permanent pasture 0% 41.9% 15.3% (2011 est.)

agricultural land

42.8%

forest

41.9%

other

15.3% (2011 est.)

Location

Oceania, islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand

Map references

Oceania

Maritime claims

12 nm 200 nm

exclusive economic zone

200 nm

territorial sea

12 nm

Natural hazards

NA

Natural resources

NEGL

Terrain

volcanic origin; low hills

Age structure

22.25% (male 1,819/female 1,667) 16.9% (male 1,395/female 1,252) 41.52% (male 3,266/female 3,237) 9.7% (male 746/female 773) 9.63% (male 721/female 788) (2016 est.)

0-14 years

22.25% (male 1,819/female 1,667)

15-24 years

16.9% (male 1,395/female 1,252)

25-54 years

41.52% (male 3,266/female 3,237)

55-64 years

9.7% (male 746/female 773)

65 years and over

9.63% (male 721/female 788) (2016 est.)

Birth rate

13.3 births/1,000 population (2016 est.)

Death rate

5.2 deaths/1,000 population (2016 est.)

Ethnic groups

Polynesian

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

NA

Infant mortality rate

4.4 deaths/1,000 live births 4.6 deaths/1,000 live births 4.1 deaths/1,000 live births (2016 est.)

female

4.1 deaths/1,000 live births (2016 est.)

male

4.6 deaths/1,000 live births

total

4.4 deaths/1,000 live births

Languages

Wallisian (indigenous Polynesian language) 58.9%, Futunian 30.1%, French (official) 10.8%, other 0.2% (2003 census)

Life expectancy at birth

79.7 years 76.7 years 82.8 years (2016 est.)

female

82.8 years (2016 est.)

male

76.7 years

total population

79.7 years

Major urban areas - population

MATA-UTU (capital) 1,000 (2014)

Median age

31.6 years 30.6 years 32.8 years (2016 est.)

female

32.8 years (2016 est.)

male

30.6 years

total

31.6 years

Nationality

Wallisian(s), Futunan(s), or Wallis and Futuna Islanders Wallisian, Futunan, or Wallis and Futuna Islander

adjective

Wallisian, Futunan, or Wallis and Futuna Islander

noun

Wallisian(s), Futunan(s), or Wallis and Futuna Islanders

Net migration rate

-4.9 migrant(s)/1,000 population there has been steady emigration from Wallis and Futuna to New Caledonia (2016 est.)

note

there has been steady emigration from Wallis and Futuna to New Caledonia (2016 est.)

Population

15,664 (July 2016 est.)

Population growth rate

0.33% (2016 est.)

Religions

Roman Catholic 99%, other 1%

Sanitation facility access

rural: 96% of population total: 96% of population rural: 4% of population total: 4% of population (2008 est.)

rural

4% of population

total

4% of population (2008 est.)

Sex ratio

1.05 male(s)/female 1.09 male(s)/female 1.11 male(s)/female 1.01 male(s)/female 0.97 male(s)/female 0.92 male(s)/female 1.03 male(s)/female (2016 est.)

0-14 years

1.09 male(s)/female

15-24 years

1.11 male(s)/female

25-54 years

1.01 male(s)/female

55-64 years

0.97 male(s)/female

65 years and over

0.92 male(s)/female

at birth

1.05 male(s)/female

total population

1.03 male(s)/female (2016 est.)

Total fertility rate

1.74 children born/woman (2016 est.)

Urbanization

0% of total population (2015) 0% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

rate of urbanization

0% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

urban population

0% of total population (2015)

Administrative divisions

3 administrative precincts (circonscriptions, singular - circonscription) Alo, Sigave, Uvea

Capital

Mata-Utu (on Ile Uvea) 13 57 S, 171 56 W UTC+12 (17 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

geographic coordinates

13 57 S, 171 56 W

name

Mata-Utu (on Ile Uvea)

time difference

UTC+12 (17 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Citizenship

see France

Constitution

4 October 1958 (French Constitution)

Country name

Territory of the Wallis and Futuna Islands Wallis and Futuna Territoire des Iles Wallis et Futuna Wallis et Futuna Wallis Island is named after British Captain Samuel WALLIS who discovered it in 1767; Futuna is derived from the native word "futu," which is the name of the fish-poison tree found on the island

conventional long form

Territory of the Wallis and Futuna Islands

conventional short form

Wallis and Futuna

etymology

Wallis Island is named after British Captain Samuel WALLIS who discovered it in 1767; Futuna is derived from the native word "futu," which is the name of the fish-poison tree found on the island

local long form

Territoire des Iles Wallis et Futuna

local short form

Wallis et Futuna

Dependency status

overseas territory of France

Diplomatic representation from the US

none (overseas territory of France)

Diplomatic representation in the US

none (overseas territory of France)

Executive branch

President Francois HOLLANDE (since 15 May 2012); represented by High Administrator Marcel RENOUF (since 26 January 2015) President of the Territorial Assembly Mikaele KULIMOETOKE (since 26 November 2014) Council of the Territory appointed by the high administrator on the advice of the Territorial Assembly French president elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); high administrator appointed by the French president on the advice of the French Ministry of the Interior; the presidents of the Territorial Government and the Territorial Assembly elected by assembly members there are 3 traditional kings with limited powers

cabinet

Council of the Territory appointed by the high administrator on the advice of the Territorial Assembly

chief of state

President Francois HOLLANDE (since 15 May 2012); represented by High Administrator Marcel RENOUF (since 26 January 2015)

elections/appointments

French president elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); high administrator appointed by the French president on the advice of the French Ministry of the Interior; the presidents of the Territorial Government and the Territorial Assembly elected by assembly members

head of government

President of the Territorial Assembly Mikaele KULIMOETOKE (since 26 November 2014)

note

there are 3 traditional kings with limited powers

Flag description

unofficial, local flag has a red field with four white isosceles triangles in the middle, representing the three native kings of the islands and the French administrator; the apexes of the triangles are oriented inward and at right angles to each other; the flag of France, outlined in white on two sides, is in the upper hoist quadrant the design is derived from an original red banner with a white cross pattee that was introduced in the 19th century by French missionaries; the flag of France is used for official occasions

note

the design is derived from an original red banner with a white cross pattee that was introduced in the 19th century by French missionaries; the flag of France is used for official occasions

Government type

parliamentary democracy (Territorial Assembly); overseas collectivity of France

Independence

none (overseas territory of France)

International organization participation

PIF (observer), SPC, UPU

Judicial branch

Court of Assizes or Cour d'Assizes (consists of 1 judge; court hears primarily serious criminal cases); note - appeals beyond the Court of Assizes are heard before the Court of Appeal or Cour d'Appel, located in Noumea, New Caledonia NA courts of first instance; labor court; note - justice generally administered under French law by the high administrator, but the 3 traditional kings administer customary law, and there is a magistrate in Mata-Utu

highest resident court(s)

Court of Assizes or Cour d'Assizes (consists of 1 judge; court hears primarily serious criminal cases); note - appeals beyond the Court of Assizes are heard before the Court of Appeal or Cour d'Appel, located in Noumea, New Caledonia

judge selection and term of office

NA

subordinate courts

courts of first instance; labor court; note - justice generally administered under French law by the high administrator, but the 3 traditional kings administer customary law, and there is a magistrate in Mata-Utu

Legal system

French civil law

Legislative branch

unicameral Territorial Assembly or Assemblee Territoriale (20 seats; members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by proportional representation to serve 5-year terms) Wallis and Futuna elects 1 senator to the French Senate and 1 deputy to the French National Assembly; French Senate - elections last held on 28 September 2014 (next to be held by September 2017); results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats - UMP 1; French National Assembly - by-election last held on 24 March 2013 (next to be held by 2017); results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats - independent (backed by UMP) 1 last held on 22 March 2012 (next to be held in March 2017) percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PS 4, UMP 4, centrist, 3, other 9

description

unicameral Territorial Assembly or Assemblee Territoriale (20 seats; members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by proportional representation to serve 5-year terms)

election results

percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PS 4, UMP 4, centrist, 3, other 9

elections

last held on 22 March 2012 (next to be held in March 2017)

note

Wallis and Futuna elects 1 senator to the French Senate and 1 deputy to the French National Assembly; French Senate - elections last held on 28 September 2014 (next to be held by September 2017); results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats - UMP 1; French National Assembly - by-election last held on 24 March 2013 (next to be held by 2017); results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats - independent (backed by UMP) 1

National anthem

as a territory of France, "La Marseillaise" is official (see France)

note

as a territory of France, "La Marseillaise" is official (see France)

National holiday

Bastille Day, 14 July (1789)

National symbol(s)

red saltire (Saint Andrew's Cross) on a white square on a red field; national colors: red, white

red saltire (Saint Andrew's Cross) on a white square on a red field; national colors

red, white

Political parties and leaders

Lua Kae Tahi (Giscardians) Mouvement des Radicaux de Gauche or MRG Rally for the Republic or RPR (UMP) [Clovis LOGOLOGOFOLAU] Socialist Party or PS Taumu'a Lelei [Soane Muni UHILA] Union Populaire Locale or UPL [Falakiko GATA] Union Pour la Democratie Francaise or UDF

Political pressure groups and leaders

NA

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal

Agriculture - products

coconuts, breadfruit, yams, taro, bananas; pigs, goats; fish

Budget

$29,730 $31,330 (2004 est.)

expenditures

$31,330 (2004 est.)

revenues

$29,730

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)

NA%

Debt - external

$3.67 million (2004)

Economy - overview

The economy is limited to traditional subsistence agriculture, with 80% of labor force earnings coming from agriculture (coconuts and vegetables), livestock (mostly pigs), and fishing. However, roughly 70% of the labor force is employed in the public sector, although only about 20% of the population is in salaried employment. Revenues come from French Government subsidies, licensing of fishing rights to Japan and South Korea, import taxes, and remittances from expatriate workers in New Caledonia. France directly finances the public sector and healthcare and education services. It also provides funding for key development projects in a range of areas, including infrastructure, economic development, environmental management, and healthcare facilities. A key concern for Wallis and Futuna is an aging population with consequent economic development issues. Very few people aged 18-30 live on the islands due to the limited formal employment opportunities. Improving job creation is a current priority for the territorial government.

Exchange rates

Comptoirs Francais du Pacifique francs (XPF) per US dollar - 89.85 (2013 est.) 90.56 (2012 est.) 85.74 (2011 est.)

Exports

$47,450 (2004 est.)

Exports - commodities

copra, chemicals, construction materials

Fiscal year

calendar year

GDP - composition, by sector of origin

NA% NA% NA%

agriculture

NA%

industry

NA%

services

NA%

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$3,800 (2004 est.)

GDP - real growth rate

NA%

GDP (official exchange rate)

$NA

GDP (purchasing power parity)

$60 million (2004 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share

NA% NA%

highest 10%

NA%

lowest 10%

NA%

Imports

$61.17 million (2004)

Imports - commodities

chemicals, machinery, consumer goods

Industrial production growth rate

NA%

Industries

copra, handicrafts, fishing, lumber

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

2.8% (2005)

Labor force

3,104 (2003)

Labor force - by occupation

80% 4% 16% (2001)

agriculture

80%

industry

4%

services

16% (2001)

Population below poverty line

NA%

Public debt

5.6% of GDP (2004 est.) offical data; data cover general government debt, and includes debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data include debt issued by subnational entities, as well as intra-governmental debt; intra-governmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment; debt instruments for the social funds are not sold at public auctions

note

offical data; data cover general government debt, and includes debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data include debt issued by subnational entities, as well as intra-governmental debt; intra-governmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment; debt instruments for the social funds are not sold at public auctions

Taxes and other revenues

NA%

Unemployment rate

12.2% (2008 est.)

Broadcast media

the publicly owned French Overseas Network (RFO), which broadcasts to France's overseas departments and territories, is carried on the RFO Wallis and Fortuna TV and radio stations (2008)

Internet country code

.wf

Internet users

3,450 22.1% (July 2015 est.)

percent of population

22.1% (July 2015 est.)

total

3,450

Telephone system

country code - 681

international

country code - 681

Telephones - fixed lines

3,132 20 (July 2014 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

20 (July 2014 est.)

total subscriptions

3,132

Airports

2 (2013)

Airports - with paved runways

1 (2013)

1,524 to 2,437 m

1

914 to 1,523 m

1 (2013)

total

2

Ports and terminals

Leava, Mata-Utu

major seaport(s)

Leava, Mata-Utu

Military - note

defense is the responsibility of France

Disputes - international

none