Wallis and Futuna Islands

Wallis and Futuna are part of a small French colony in Oceania. They are the two main islands making up a territory of islands half way between Samoa and Fiji and are 250 kms apart.

Economy: The economy is limited to traditional subsistence agriculture, with about 80% of the labor force earning its livelihood from agriculture (coconuts and vegetables), livestock (mostly pigs and chickens), and fishing. About 4% of the population is employed in government. 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 (17000 Wallisians are living in this other French territory).

Wallis and Futuna imports food, fuel, clothing, machinery and transport equipment but its exports are negligible, consisting of copra and handicrafts. The majority of the manufactured goods are imported of France, New Caledonia, Australia and New Zealand.

Export Commodities: Copra, chemicals and construction materials

Export Partners: Italy, Croatia, US and Denmark

Import Commodities: Chemicals, machinery, passenger ships and consumer goods

Import Partners: France, Australia and New Zealand

Population: 15,880

Location: Wallis and Futuna islands are located in the South Pacific Ocean, 4,600 km southwest of Honolulu (Hawaii) and 4000 km northeast of Sydney (Australia).

Geographic coordinates are 13 18 S, 176 12 W.

Climate: Tropical climate. Hot weather (27°C / 81°F on average), a rainy season (November to April) with frequent heavy showers and storms and a cool, dry season (May to October).