New Caledonia

New Caledonia is a group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean. It is a territory of France. New Caledonia has the world's largest lagoon and one of the biggest coral reefs. The islands have unique plants and animals found nowhere else on Earth.

Land and People

About 270,000 people live in New Caledonia. The capital is Noumea. The main island, Grande Terre, has mountains, forests, and red soil rich in nickel. The lagoon that surrounds the islands is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Culture and Fun Facts

New Caledonia is one of the world's largest producers of nickel, a metal used in coins and stainless steel. The Kanak people are the indigenous inhabitants and have a rich culture. The islands have many species of plants and animals that exist nowhere else, including the kagu, a unique bird that barks like a dog.

Fun Facts

• New Caledonia's lagoon is the largest in the world, covering about 9,300 square miles.
• The kagu bird, found only in New Caledonia, cannot fly and makes a sound like a barking dog.
• New Caledonia has about 5 percent of the world's nickel reserves.

Did You Know?

The kagu is a unique bird found only in New Caledonia. It cannot fly, has pale gray feathers, and makes a barking sound like a dog. It is the national bird of New Caledonia.