Noumea

Noumea is a French way of life in the South Pacific. The capital city of New Caledonia, Noumea is a blend of French and Melanesian cultures.

Economy: New Caledonia has about 25% of the world's known nickel resources. Only a small amount of the land is suitable for cultivation, and food accounts for about 20% of imports. In addition to nickel, substantial financial support from France - equal to more than one-fourth of GDP - and tourism are keys to the health of the economy. Substantial new investment in the nickel industry, combined with the recovery of global nickel prices, brightens the economic outlook for the next several years.

Export Commodities: Ferronickels, nickel ore and fish.

Export Partners: France, Japan, Spain, Australia, South Korea and Italy.

Import Commodities: Machinery and equipment, fuels, chemicals and foodstuffs.

Import Partners: France, Australia, Singapore, New Zealand and US.

Population: 213,679

Location: Oceania, islands in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Australia. Geographic coordinates are 21 30 S, 165 30 E.

Climate: Tropical; modified by southeast trade winds, hot and humid