Wallis and Futuna Country Information

Travel Advice with Country Information from the CIA.

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Introduction

Background

The first humans settled Wallis and Futuna around 800 B.C. The islands were a natural midpoint between Fiji and Samoa. Around A.D. 1500, Tongans invaded Wallis and a chiefdom system resembling Tonga’s formal hierarchy developed on the island. Tongans attempted to settle Futuna but were repeatedly rebuffed. Samoans settled Futuna in the 1600s and a slightly less centralized chiefdom system formed. Dutch explorers were the first Europeans to see the islands in 1616, followed intermittently by other Europeans, including British explorer Samuel WALLIS in 1767. French Catholic missionaries were the first Europeans to permanently settle Wallis and Futuna in 1837. The missionaries converted most of the population of Wallis by 1842 and of Futuna by 1846. The missionaries and newly-converted King LAVELUA of Uvea on Wallis asked France for a protectorate in 1842 following a rebellion of locals. France agreed, although the protectorate status would not be ratified until 1887. In 1888, King MUSULAMU of Alo and King TAMOLE of Sigave, both on Futuna, signed a treaty establishing a French protectorate; the Wallis and Futuna protectorate was integrated into the territory of New Caledonia that same year. France renegotiated the terms of the protectorate with the territory’s three kings in 1910, expanding French authority.

Wallis and Futuna was the only French colony to side with the Vichy regime during World War II until the arrival of Free French and US troops in 1942. In 1959, inhabitants of the islands voted to separate from New Caledonia and become a French overseas territory, a status it assumed in 1961. Despite the split, a significant Wallisian and Futunan community still lives in New Caledonia. In 2003, Wallis and Futuna’s designation changed to that of an overseas collectivity. Wallis and Futuna became an associate member of the Pacific Islands Forum in 2018, two years after France’s other Pacific territories became full members of the organization.

 

Geography

Location

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

Geographic coordinates

13 18 S, 176 12 W

Map references

Oceania

Area

total: 142 sq km

land: 142 sq km

water: 0 sq km

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

country comparison to the world: 220

Area - comparative

1.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries

total: 0 km

Coastline

129 km

Maritime claims

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

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

Terrain

volcanic origin; low hills

Elevation

highest point: Mont Singavi (on Futuna) 522 m

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

Natural resources

NEGL

Land use

agricultural land: 42.8% (2018 est.)

arable land: 7.1% (2018 est.)

permanent crops: 35.7% (2018 est.)

permanent pasture: 0% (2018 est.)

forest: 41.9% (2018 est.)

other: 15.3% (2018 est.)

Irrigated land

0 sq km (2012)

Natural hazards

cyclones; tsunamis

Geography - note

both island groups have fringing reefs; Wallis contains several prominent crater lakes

Map description

Wallis and Futuna map showing the islands that make up this French overseas collectivity in the South Pacific Ocean.

People and Society

Population

15,891 (2022 est.)

country comparison to the world: 220

Nationality

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

adjective: Wallisian, Futunan, or Wallis and Futuna Islander

Ethnic groups

Polynesian

Languages

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

Religions

Roman Catholic 99%, other 1%

Environment

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; lack of soil fertility on the islands of Uvea and Futuna negatively impacts agricultural productivity

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

Land use

agricultural land: 42.8% (2018 est.)

arable land: 7.1% (2018 est.)

permanent crops: 35.7% (2018 est.)

permanent pasture: 0% (2018 est.)

forest: 41.9% (2018 est.)

other: 15.3% (2018 est.)

Urbanization

urban population: 0% of total population (2022)

rate of urbanization: 0% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)

total population growth rate v. urban population growth rate, 2000-2030

Major infectious diseases

degree of risk: high (2020)

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea

vectorborne diseases: malaria

Government

Country name

conventional long form: Territory of the Wallis and Futuna Islands

conventional short form: Wallis and Futuna

local long form: Territoire des Iles Wallis et Futuna

local short form: Wallis et Futuna

former: Hoorn Islands is the former name of the Futuna Islands

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

Government type

parliamentary democracy (Territorial Assembly); overseas collectivity of France

Dependency status

overseas collectivity of France

Capital

name: Mata-Utu (on Ile Uvea)

geographic coordinates: 13 57 S, 171 56 W

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

Administrative divisions

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

Independence

none (overseas collectivity of France)

National holiday

Bastille Day, 14 July (1789)

Constitution

history: 4 October 1958 (French Constitution)

amendments: French constitution amendment procedures apply

Legal system

French civil law

Citizenship

see France

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch

chief of state: President Emmanuel MACRON (since 14 May 2017); represented by Administrator Superior Herve JONATHAN (since 11 January 2021)

head of government: President of the Territorial Assembly Munipoese MULI'AKA'AKA (since 20 March 2022)

cabinet: Council of the Territory appointed by the administrator superior on the advice of the Territorial Assembly

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); administrator superior 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

note: there are 3 traditional kings with limited powers

Legislative branch

description: unicameral Territorial Assembly or Assemblee Territoriale (20 seats - Wallis 13, Futuna 7; members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by party-list proportional representation vote to serve 5-year terms)
Wallis and Futuna indirectly elects 1 senator to the French Senate by an electoral college by absolute majority vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 6-year term, and directly elects 1 deputy to the French National Assembly by absolute majority vote for a 5-year term

elections: Territorial Assembly - last held on 20 March 2022 (next to be held in March 2027)
French Senate - last held on 24 and 27 September 2020 (next to be held by September 2023)
French National Assembly - last held on 11 June 2017 (next to be held in June 2022)

election results: Territorial Assembly - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - 2 members are elected from the list Ofa mo'oni ki tou fenua and 2 members are elected from list Mauli fetokoniaki, 1 seat each from 16 other lists; composition - men NA, women NA, percent of women NA%
representation in French Senate - LR 1 (man)
representation in French National Assembly - independent 1 (man)

Judicial branch

highest courts: 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 (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

Political parties and leaders

Left Radical Party or PRG [Guillaume LACROIX] (formerly Radical Socialist Party or PRS and the Left Radical Movement or MRG)
Lua Kae Tahi (Giscardians) (leader NA)
Rally for Wallis and Futuna-The Republicans (Rassemblement pour Wallis and Futuna) or RPWF-LR [Clovis LOGOLOGOFOLAU]
Socialist Party or PS
Taumu'a Lelei [Soane Muni UHILA]
Union Pour la Democratie Francaise or UDF

International organization participation

PIF (observer), SPC, UPU

Diplomatic representation in the US

none (overseas collectivity of France)

Diplomatic representation from the US

none (overseas collectivity of France)

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

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

National symbol(s)

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

National anthem

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

Economy

Economic overview

The economy is limited to traditional subsistence agriculture, with about 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 a third 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 health-care and education services. It also provides funding for key development projects in a range of areas, including infrastructure, economic development, environmental management, and health-care 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.

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)

$60 million (2004 est.)

country comparison to the world: 224

Real GDP growth rate

NA

Real GDP per capita

$3,800 (2004 est.)

country comparison to the world: 187

GDP (official exchange rate)

$195 million (2005) (2005)

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

0.9% (2015)

2.8% (2005)

country comparison to the world: 62

GDP - composition, by sector of origin

agriculture: NA

industry: NA

services: NA

GDP - composition, by end use

household consumption: 26% (2005)

government consumption: 54% (2005)

Agricultural products

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

Industries

copra, handicrafts, fishing, lumber

Industrial production growth rate

NA

Labor force

4,482 (2013)

country comparison to the world: 222

Labor force - by occupation

agriculture: 74%

industry: 3%

services: 23% (2015 est.)

Unemployment rate

8.8% (2013 est.)

12.2% (2008 est.)

country comparison to the world: 134

Population below poverty line

NA

Household income or consumption by percentage share

lowest 10%: NA

highest 10%: NA

Budget

revenues: 32.54 million (2015 est.) NA

expenditures: 34.18 million (2015 est.) NA

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)

-0.8% (of GDP) (2015 est.) NA

country comparison to the world: 70

Public debt

5.6% of GDP (2004 est.)

note: offical data; data cover general government debt and include 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 intragovernmental debt; intragovernmental 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

country comparison to the world: 204

Taxes and other revenues

16.7% (of GDP) (2015 est.) NA

country comparison to the world: 175

Fiscal year

calendar year

Exports

$47,450 (2004 est.)

country comparison to the world: 225

Exports - partners

Singapore 47%, France 32%, Belgium 9% (2019)

Exports - commodities

integrated circuits, jewelry, cars, aircraft parts, polyacetals (2019)

Imports

$61.17 million (2004 est.)

country comparison to the world: 221

Imports - partners

France 43%, Fiji 24%, New Zealand 11%, Australia 6% (2019)

Imports - commodities

refined petroleum, beef products, poultry meats, engine parts, packaged medicines (2019)

Debt - external

$3.67 million (2004)

country comparison to the world: 201

Exchange rates

Comptoirs Francais du Pacifique francs (XPF) per US dollar -

110.2 (2015 est.)

89.8 (2014 est.)

89.85 (2013 est.)

90.56 (2012 est.)

Communications

Telephones - fixed lines

total subscriptions: 3,132 (2018 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 25 (2018 est.)

country comparison to the world: 208

Telephones - mobile cellular

total subscriptions: 0 (2018)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 0 (2019)

country comparison to the world: 224

Telecommunication systems

general assessment: 2G widespread; bandwidth is limited; mobile subscriber numbers are higher than fixed-line and better suited for islands; good mobile coverage in the capital cities and also reasonable coverage across more remote atolls; recent international interest in infrastructure development; increase in demand for mobile broadband as mobile services serve as primary source for Internet access; Kacific-1 broadband satellite launched in 2019 to improve costs and capability (2020)

domestic: fixed-line teledensity 25 per 100 persons and 0 per 100 mobile subscriptions (2019)

international: country code - 681; landing point for the Tui-Samoa submarine cable network connecting Wallis & Futuna, Samoa and Fiji (2020)

note: the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally; since 2020, some aspects of the telecom sector have experienced a downturn, particularly in mobile device production; progress towards 5G implementation has resumed, as well as upgrades to infrastructure; consumer spending on telecom services has increased due to the surge in demand for capacity and bandwidth; the crucial nature of telecom services as a tool for work and school from home is still evident, and the spike in this area has seen growth opportunities for development of new tools and increased services

Broadcast media

the publicly owned French Overseas Network (RFO), which broadcasts to France's overseas departments, collectivities, and territories, is carried on the RFO Wallis and Fortuna TV and radio stations (2019)

Internet country code

.wf

Internet users

total: 1,029 (2019 est.)

percent of population: 9% (2019 est.)

country comparison to the world: 227

Transportation

Airports

total: 2 (2021)

country comparison to the world: 207

Airports - with paved runways

total: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2021)

Merchant marine

total: 1

by type: other 1 (2021)

country comparison to the world: 187

Ports and terminals

major seaport(s): Leava, Mata-Utu

Military and Security

Military - note

defense is the responsibility of France

Transnational Issues

Disputes - international

none identified

 

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