History of New Caledonia in Timeline
New Caledonia is a unique overseas collectivity of France located in the southwest Pacific Ocean. It is situated south of Vanuatu, approximately 1,210 km east of Australia, and about 17,000 km from France. The archipelago is part of the Melanesia subregion and includes several islands such as Grande Terre (referred to locally as 'Le Caillou'), the Loyalty Islands, the Chesterfield Islands, the Belep archipelago, and the Isle of Pines. The Chesterfield Islands are located in the Coral Sea. Although New Caledonia is one of the European Union's Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs), it is not a part of the European Union itself.
1917: 1917 Kanak Uprising
In 1917, a second major uprising by the indigenous Kanak people occurred in New Caledonia. Led by Noël of Tiamou, the rebellion was significant and witnessed by Protestant missionaries like Maurice Leenhardt. This conflict resulted in many orphaned children, including Wenceslas Thi, who was taken in by missionary Alphonse Rouel.
1921: Kanak Population Decline
By 1921, the Kanak population had dramatically declined to 27,100 from around 60,000 in 1878. This sharp decrease was primarily due to diseases introduced by Europeans, such as smallpox and measles, which devastated the indigenous population.
1936: Birth of Jean-Marie Tjibaou
Jean-Marie Tjibaou, a prominent figure in New Caledonia's history, was born in 1936. He was the son of Wenceslas Thi, a child orphaned during the 1917 Kanak uprising and cared for by Protestant missionary Alphonse Rouel.
June 1940: Support for Free French Government
In June 1940, following the fall of France, New Caledonia's Conseil Général voted unanimously to support the Free French government. By September, the pro-Vichy governor was compelled to leave for Indochina, solidifying the territory's allegiance to the Free French forces.
May 1941: Formation of Bataillon du Pacifique
In May 1941, 300 men from New Caledonia, along with 300 from French Polynesia and some from the New Hebrides, formed the Bataillon du Pacifique. They sailed to Australia and then to Africa, joining the Free French battalions and participating in significant battles, including the breakout after the Battle of Bir Hakeim in 1942.
March 1942: Allied Base in New Caledonia
In March 1942, New Caledonia became a significant Allied base with the assistance of Australia. The United States Navy's main South Pacific Fleet base moved to Nouméa, turning the territory into a strategic military hub during World War II.
May 1942: Battle of the Coral Sea
In May 1942, the fleet based in Nouméa played a crucial role in the Battle of the Coral Sea, which turned back the Japanese Navy. American troops stationed in New Caledonia numbered around 50,000, matching the local population at the time.
1942: Battle of Bir Hakeim
In 1942, the Bataillon du Pacifique, which included men from New Caledonia, took part in the Battle of Bir Hakeim. This battle was crucial in the North African campaign during World War II, and their losses led to their amalgamation with another battalion to form the Bataillon de l'infanterie de marine et du Pacifique.
1943: Continued Allied Presence
By 1943, New Caledonia continued to serve as an important Allied base in the South Pacific, with significant American military presence and strategic operations centered around Nouméa.
1944: Landing in Provence
In 1944, the combined battalion, including men from New Caledonia, landed in Provence as part of the French Expeditionary Corps during the Italian Campaign. They were eventually replaced by local French volunteers and résistants.
1946: New Caledonia Becomes Overseas Territory
In 1946, New Caledonia was designated as an overseas territory of France. This new status marked a significant change in its administrative and political landscape.
1950: New Caledonia Football Team Inception
The New Caledonia football team began playing in 1950. This marks the inception of their national football team, which would later join FIFA in 2004.
1953: French Citizenship for All
By 1953, all inhabitants of New Caledonia, regardless of ethnicity, were granted French citizenship. This was a pivotal moment in the territory's history, promoting greater inclusivity and rights for its diverse population.
1953: Spread of French Language
The French language began to spread significantly in New Caledonia with the establishment of French settlements. Before 1953, the level of fluency varied due to the absence of universal access to public education.
1969: Nickel Boom Begins
In 1969, the nickel boom began in New Caledonia, leading to a significant increase in the European and Polynesian populations. This economic boom shifted the demographic balance, making the indigenous Kanak Melanesians a minority, although they remained the largest ethnic group.
1972: End of Nickel Boom
By 1972, the nickel boom that had begun in 1969 concluded. During this period, the economic prosperity attracted many European and Polynesian settlers, altering the demographic composition of New Caledonia.
1976: The Events Begin
In 1976, a period known as 'the Events' began, marked by conflicts between the French government and the Kanak independence movement. This era saw serious violence and disorder as the Kanaks sought greater autonomy.
1983: Membership in Pacific Community
In 1983, New Caledonia became a member of the Pacific Community, with its capital, Nouméa, hosting the regional headquarters of the organization.
1983: Statute of Enlarged Autonomy
In 1983, a statute proposing 'enlarged autonomy' for New Caledonia was introduced. This statute included a five-year transition period and a referendum scheduled for 1989 to determine the future governance of the territory.
March 1984: Formation of FLNKS
In March 1984, the Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front (FLNKS) formed a provisional government and seized farms as part of their resistance against French rule. This action was a significant escalation in the fight for Kanak independence.
January 1985: French Socialist Government's Offer
In January 1985, the French Socialist government offered sovereignty to the Kanaks along with legal protections for European settlers. However, the plan faltered as violence escalated, leading to a state of emergency.
March 1986: Centre-Right Government Erosion
In March 1986, a centre-right government was elected in France, which began to erode the arrangements established under the previous Socialist government. Land redistribution without considering native claims led to increased tensions and violence.
1986: UN Non-Self-Governing Territories List
Since 1986, New Caledonia has been included on the United Nations list of non-self-governing territories, indicating its status and the ongoing discussions regarding its political future.
1987: Ouvéa Cave Hostage Crisis
In 1987, escalating violence culminated in the Ouvéa cave hostage crisis. Pro-independence militants killed four gendarmes and took 27 hostages. The French military's assault to rescue the hostages resulted in the deaths of 19 Kanak hostage takers and three others in custody, along with two soldiers.
June 1988: Matignon Agreements Signed
On 26 June 1988, the Matignon Agreements were signed, ensuring a decade of stability in New Caledonia. These agreements aimed to address the conflicts and violence of the preceding years by establishing a framework for peace and cooperation.
1988: End of the Events
By 1988, the period known as 'the Events' came to an end following significant violence, including the Ouvéa cave hostage crisis. This marked a turning point in the struggle for Kanak independence.
1989: Death of Jean-Marie Tjibaou
Jean-Marie Tjibaou, a key leader in the Kanak independence movement, died in 1989. His death marked a significant moment in the ongoing struggle for Kanak sovereignty and autonomy.
1989: Scheduled Referendum
In 1989, a referendum was scheduled as part of the statute of 'enlarged autonomy' proposed in 1983. This referendum was intended to determine the future governance and autonomy of New Caledonia.
1993: Founding of the University of New Caledonia
In 1993, the University of New Caledonia was founded in Nouméa, offering a range of educational programs under the supervision of the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation.
1996: Community Belonging Question in 1996 Census
The 1996 census included a question on community belonging, but it was omitted in 2004 and reintroduced in 2009 with a new formulation.
May 1998: Nouméa Accord Signed
On 5 May 1998, the Nouméa Accord was signed, setting the groundwork for a 20-year transition period that gradually transferred competences to the local government. This accord aimed to promote greater autonomy and self-governance for New Caledonia.
1998: Opening of the Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Centre
In 1998, the Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Centre, designed by Renzo Piano, was opened as a symbol of Kanak culture.
1998: Signing of the Nouméa Accord
In 1998, the Nouméa Accord was signed, granting New Caledonia special status and setting the stage for future referendums on independence. The agreement followed a period of secessionist unrest during the 1980s.
1998: Nouméa Accord on Education
In 1998, under the terms of the Nouméa Accord, primary education in New Caledonia became the responsibility of the three provinces.
February 1999: Institutional Organization Law
On 16 February 1999, the Parliament passed both an organic law and an ordinary law that defined the institutional organization of New Caledonia, shaping its current governance structure.
2000: French Naval and Air Force Presence
In the early 2000s, French naval aviation and air force elements in New Caledonia included several aircraft and helicopters, supporting the region's defense and surveillance operations.
2001: Bruno Van Peteghem Awarded Goldman Environmental Prize
In 2001, Bruno Van Peteghem received the Goldman Environmental Prize for his dedicated efforts in the Caledonian ecological protection movement, facing significant challenges from Jacques Lafleur's RPCR party.
2003: Rediscovery of Phoboscincus bocourti
In 2003, the large skink species Phoboscincus bocourti, previously thought to be extinct, was rediscovered in New Caledonia.
2004: Rugby League Team in Pacific Cup
The New Caledonia rugby league team participated in the Pacific Cup in 2004. This marked their involvement in regional rugby league competitions.
2004: Mixed Race Population in 2004 Census
The 2004 census did not include a question on community belonging, which was reintroduced in 2009, leading to more accurate representation of mixed-race individuals.
2004: Internationaux de Nouvelle-Calédonie Joins ATP Challenger Tour
Since 2004, the Internationaux de Nouvelle-Calédonie tennis tournament has been part of the ATP Challenger Tour. The event is held in the first week of January and serves as preparation for the Australian Open.
2004: Admitted into FIFA
In 2004, the New Caledonia football team was admitted into FIFA, the international association of football leagues. Prior to this, they held observer status with the Oceania Football Confederation.
2005: Brendan Washington's First Last Place Finish in Tour Cycliste
In 2005, Australian cyclist Brendan Washington finished last in the Tour Cycliste de Nouvelle-Calédonie. This was his first of three last-place finishes in the race.
2005: Inauguration of the Mwâ Ka Totem Pole
In 2005, the Mwâ Ka, a 12-meter totem pole commemorating the French annexation of New Caledonia, was inaugurated.
June 2006: Revocation of INCO's Mining Licence
In June 2006, INCO's mining license was judicially revoked due to claimed abuses, marking a significant milestone in the efforts to protect New Caledonia's ecological diversity from industrial activities.
2006: Reporters Without Borders Concerns
In 2006, Reporters Without Borders raised concerns about threats and intimidation of RFO staff by a pro-independence group in New Caledonia.
2007: South Pacific Games Victory
New Caledonia football team won the South Pacific Games in 2007. This was their most recent victory in the event, having won it five times in total.
2008: Decline in Nickel Prices
In 2008, New Caledonia's nickel industry experienced a 31.0% drop in nickel prices, leading to reduced or halted production by several producers.
2008: Decline in Nickel Prices
In 2008, New Caledonia's nickel industry experienced a 31.0% drop in nickel prices, resulting in reduced or halted production by several producers.
2008: UNESCO World Heritage List
In 2008, six lagoons of the New Caledonian barrier reef were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This recognition highlighted the ecological significance of the world's longest continuous barrier reef system.
2008: UNESCO World Heritage Site
In 2008, the New Caledonian lagoon, one of the largest in the world, was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The designation was in recognition of its exceptional beauty and marine biodiversity.
2008: Oceania Handball Nations Cup Victory
The New Caledonia Handball team won the Oceania Handball Nations Cup in 2008. The tournament was held in Wellington, New Zealand, and New Caledonia beat Australia in the final.
2009: 2009 Census on French Language
The 2009 census showed that 97.3% of people aged 15 or older in New Caledonia could speak, read, and write French, reflecting the widespread use of the language.
2009: Reintroduction of Community Belonging Question
In 2009, the question on community belonging was reintroduced in the census. This new formulation allowed for multiple choices and clarification of the 'other' category, leading to a more nuanced understanding of the population's ethnic composition.
2009: Knowledge of Kanak Languages
In the 2009 census, 41.3% of people aged 15 or older in New Caledonia reported having some knowledge of at least one Kanak language.
2009: Impact of Global Recession on Nickel Industry
In 2009, the global recession severely affected New Caledonia's nickel industry, leading to a significant drop in nickel prices and a reduction in production.
2009: Brendan Washington's Third Last Place Finish in Tour Cycliste
In 2009, Brendan Washington finished last in the Tour Cycliste de Nouvelle-Calédonie for the third time. He became known as "The Lanterne Rouge" in New Caledonia due to these finishes.
2009: Impact of Global Recession on Nickel Industry
In 2009, the global recession severely affected New Caledonia's nickel industry, leading to a significant drop in nickel prices and a reduction in production.
July 2010: Dual Flag Controversy
In July 2010, the Congress of New Caledonia voted in favor of flying the Kanak flag of the FLNKS independence movement alongside the French tricolour. This decision was legally non-binding but led to significant controversy and political tension in the territory.
2010: Transfer of Secondary Education to Provinces
As of 2010, secondary education in New Caledonia was in the process of being transferred to the provinces, with most schools located in Nouméa.
2010: Economic Contributions
In 2010, the construction sector in New Caledonia accounted for roughly 12% of GDP, employing 9.9% of the salaried population.
February 2011: Collapse of Coalition Government
In February 2011, the ongoing controversy and disagreements over the dual flag issue led to the collapse of the coalition government in New Caledonia, highlighting the deep political divisions within the territory.
September 2011: End of Analogue Television Broadcasts
In September 2011, analogue television broadcasts ended in New Caledonia, completing the transition to digital television.
2011: Export and Import Statistics
In 2011, New Caledonia's exports of goods and services amounted to 2.11 billion US dollars, with mineral products making up 75.6% of the total exports.
2012: Global Religious Landscape survey by Pew Forum
In 2012, the Pew Forum conducted the Global Religious Landscape survey in New Caledonia, providing insights into the religious composition of the population.
2012: 2012 French Presidential Election
In 2012, the voter turnout in New Caledonia for the French presidential election was 61.19%. This reflects the active participation of New Caledonian citizens in French national politics.
December 2013: Launch of NCTV
In December 2013, NCTV was launched in New Caledonia, following bids considered by French broadcasting authorities.
2013: University of New Caledonia Statistics
As of 2013, the University of New Caledonia had approximately 3,000 students and 107 academics, reflecting its growth and importance in the region.
2014: Other Communities
In the 2014 census, 2.1% of New Caledonia's population reported belonging to communities other than 'Caledonian', up from 1.3% in previous years.
2014: Ethnic Composition in 2014 Census
The 2014 census revealed that 39.1% of New Caledonia's population identified as Kanak, while the European community constituted 27.2%. Another 9.9% either identified as "Caledonian" or did not declare an ethnic group.
2014: 2014 Census Population Data
The 2014 census highlighted a population growth slowdown in New Caledonia, with an annual increase of 0.2% between 2014 and 2019.
2014: Community Composition in 2014 Census
In the 2014 census, New Caledonia recorded various self-reported communities: Wallisians and Futunians (8.3%), Indonesians (1.4%), Tahitians (2.0%), Ni-Vanuatu (0.9%), Vietnamese (0.8%), and other Asians including ethnic Chinese (0.4%).
2014: Mixed Race Population in 2014 Census
In the 2014 census, 11.3% of New Caledonia's population reported belonging to multiple communities (mixed race), up from 8.6% in 2004. The question on community belonging was reintroduced in 2009, allowing multiple choices and clarifying the category 'other'.
2014: Fertility Rate Decline
In 2014, the total fertility rate in New Caledonia was recorded at 2.2 children per woman. The proportion of the population under the age of 20 was 30%, with an increasing ratio of older people.
2014: Population Growth Statistics
In 2014, it was recorded that population growth in New Caledonia was higher in the North Province (0.3% per year) compared to the Loyalty Islands (0.1%) and South Provinces (−0.2%).
2014: French Language Fluency
By 2014, the near-universal fluency in French among the population of New Caledonia was evident, although no specific questions regarding French knowledge were asked in the census.
2014: European Population in 2014 Census
According to the 2014 census, New Caledonia had 73,199 Europeans, with the majority being native-born or born in Metropolitan France. The Caldoches, with ancestral ties to early French settlers, often reside in rural areas of Grande Terre.
2015: Documentary on Algerian-Caledonians
A 2015 documentary by Al Jazeera English highlighted that up to 10% of New Caledonia's population descends from around 2,000 Arab-Berber people deported from French Algeria in the late 19th century. They preserved a common identity, including cultural practices and, in some cases, Islamic religion.
November 2017: Preparation for Independence Referendum
In November 2017, groundwork was laid for a referendum on full independence from France. The meeting chaired by French Prime Minister Édouard Philippe resolved disputes over voter eligibility, granting automatic eligibility to Kanak origin voters and excluding non-longtime residents.
2017: Under-17 Team Qualifies for FIFA World Cup
In 2017, the New Caledonia under-17 football team qualified for the FIFA under-17 World Cup. This was a significant achievement for the youth team.
November 2018: Independence Referendum Held
In November 2018, a referendum on New Caledonia's independence from France was held as part of the Nouméa Accord. The result saw independence being rejected by the voters.
November 2018: 2018 Independence Referendum
On 4 November 2018, New Caledonia held an independence referendum as stipulated by the Nouméa Accord. The result showed that 56.9% of voters chose to remain with France.
2018: Composition of Armed Forces in 2018
As of 2018, the Armed Forces of New Caledonia included about 2,000 soldiers, primarily stationed in various locations such as Nouméa and Plum. Notably, the local recruitment in the regiment was minimal, with only about 30 personnel being locally recruited.
2018: 2018 Independence Referendum
In 2018, New Caledonia held a referendum on independence from France as stipulated by the Nouméa Accord. The referendum resulted in 56.7% of voters choosing to remain part of France.
October 2019: New Caledonia Population Census
In October 2019, New Caledonia conducted a population census, recording a population of 271,407. The census highlighted the diverse origins of the inhabitants, with variations in demographics across the provinces. The North and Loyalty Islands Provinces are predominantly inhabited by the indigenous Kanak people, while the South Province has a significant population of Europeans, Polynesians, and smaller groups from Southeast Asia, Pied-Noir, and North Africa.
2019: French Language Fluency
In 2019, the census did not include questions on French language knowledge, as it was nearly universally understood by the population.
2019: Knowledge of Kanak Languages
The 2019 census reported that 44.0% of people aged 15 or older in New Caledonia had some knowledge of at least one Kanak language, up from 41.3% in 2009.
2019: Kanak Population in 2019 Census
The 2019 census indicated that the Kanak people, indigenous to New Caledonia, constituted 95% of the population in the Loyalty Islands Province, 72% in the North Province, and 29% in the South Province.
2019: Division of Poya Commune
In 2019, the commune of Poya in New Caledonia was noted for being divided between two provinces. The northern half, with the main settlement, is part of the North Province, while the southern half, with a smaller population, is part of the South Province.
2019: Ethnic Composition in 2019 Census
According to the 2019 census, 41.2% of New Caledonia's population identified as part of the Kanak community, an increase from 39.1% in 2014. The European community accounted for 24.1%, down from 27.2% in 2014. Additionally, 7.5% either identified as "Caledonian" or did not declare an ethnic group.
2019: Goro Mine Production
In 2019, the Goro mine in New Caledonia produced slightly over a third of its annual capacity due to design flaws and operational issues.
2019: Economic Overview
In 2019, New Caledonia had a GDP of US$9.44 billion, with significant economic disparities between the South Province and other regions.
2019: Population Growth Statistics
By 2019, the trend of population growth in New Caledonia continued to be higher in the North Province (0.3% per year) than in the Loyalty Islands (0.1%) and South Provinces (−0.2%).
2019: Fertility Rate Decline
By 2019, the total fertility rate in New Caledonia had decreased to 1.9 children per woman. The population under the age of 20 remained significant, with an increasing ratio of older people.
2019: 2019 Census Population Data
At the last census in 2019, New Caledonia had a population of 271,407. It was noted that 18,353 lived in the Loyalty Islands Province, 49,910 in the North Province, and 203,144 in the South Province. Population growth had slowed to an annual increase of 0.2% between 2014 and 2019.
2019: High CO2 Emissions
In 2019, New Caledonia's CO2 emissions per person were significantly high at 55.25 tons, largely due to its nickel industry. This figure contrasts sharply with the 4.81 tons per person emitted by France, underscoring the environmental challenges faced by the territory.
March 2020: Nickel Industry Report
A report in March 2020 highlighted that New Caledonia is the world's fourth largest nickel producer, with prices rallying by 26% over the past year.
May 2020: CFP Franc Pegged to Euro
As of May 2020, the CFP franc in New Caledonia was pegged to the euro at a rate of 119.3 CFP to 1.00 euros.
October 2020: Second Independence Referendum
In October 2020, a second referendum was held in New Caledonia, with voters once again choosing to remain a part of France. The percentage of voters opting to stay with France dropped to 53.4% from 56.7% in the 2018 referendum.
October 2020: 2020 Independence Referendum
On 4 October 2020, New Caledonia held its second independence referendum as per the Nouméa Accord. The result indicated that 53.26% of voters preferred to stay with France.
2020: Plans for Pacifique Trieze
In 2020, plans were formed to create a Rugby League team in New Caledonia, named Pacifique Trieze. The aim was for the team to eventually join the Queensland Cup in Australia.
March 2021: Cyclone Niran
In March 2021, Cyclone Niran struck New Caledonia, bringing extremely high winds and heavy rainfall. The cyclone was part of the seasonal weather patterns that affect the region between December and April.
March 2021: Tesla Partnership with Goro Mine
In March 2021, Tesla entered into a partnership with the Goro Mine to obtain nickel for its battery production and to help with product and sustainability standards.
March 2021: Sale of Vale's Nickel Business
In March 2021, a part of Vale's nickel business in New Caledonia was sold to a consortium called Prony, including Swiss commodity trader Trafigura, with local authorities holding a 51% stake.
December 2021: 2021 Independence Referendum
The third and final independence referendum under the Nouméa Accord was held on 12 December 2021. The voters overwhelmingly chose to remain part of the French Republic with 96% voting 'no' to independence, though the vote was largely boycotted by the Kanak population.
December 2021: Third Independence Referendum
On 12 December 2021, the third referendum on New Caledonia's independence was held. The vote was boycotted by pro-independence forces due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to 96% of voters choosing to stay with France.
2021: Reinforcement for 2021 Independence Referendum
During the 2021 referendum on independence, the National Gendarmerie in New Caledonia was significantly reinforced with personnel from metropolitan France to ensure security and order during the voting process.
2022: Rafale Deployment Exercise
In 2022, the French Air Force demonstrated its ability to reinforce New Caledonia by deploying three Rafale fighters, along with support aircraft, from France to the territory for a three-week exercise, showcasing its rapid deployment capabilities.
May 2023: 2023 Earthquake and Tsunami
In May 2023, New Caledonia experienced an earthquake and subsequent tsunami, triggering warnings in the territory and nearby countries. The event highlighted the region's vulnerability to natural disasters.
January 2024: Shark Culling Ban
In January 2024, a court in Nouméa issued a ruling banning the culling of sharks, citing the practice as disproportionate. The culls had begun after an Australian tourist was killed by a shark the previous year.
May 2024: Riots Over Electoral Reform
In May 2024, riots broke out in New Caledonia amid debates over a proposed electoral reform. The unrest highlighted ongoing tensions and divisions within the territory regarding its political future.
2025: French Navy Reinforcement in New Caledonia
By 2025, the French Navy plans to enhance its offshore patrol capabilities in New Caledonia by deploying a second Félix Éboué class vessel, Jean Tranape, and a new landing craft to support coastal and riverine operations.
2025: Modernization of Maritime Surveillance Aircraft
Starting in 2025, the Falcon 200 Gardian maritime surveillance aircraft will be replaced by the more modern Falcon 2000 Albatros as part of efforts to modernize French naval capabilities in New Caledonia.