Cruising to Wallis and FutunaBackgroundThe Futuna island group was discovered by the Dutch in 1616 and Wallis by the British in 1767, but it was the French who declared a protectorate over the islands in 1842. In 1959, the inhabitants of the islands voted to become a French overseas territory. GeographyLocation: Oceania, islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about
two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand Coastline129 km Maritime claimsTerritorial sea: 12 nm ClimateTropical; hot, rainy season (November to April); cool, dry season (May to October); rains 2,500-3,000 mm per year (80% humidity); average temperature 26.6 degrees C TerrainVolcanic origin; low hills Elevation extremesLowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m EconomyThe economy is limited to traditional subsistence agriculture, with about 80% labor force earnings from agriculture (coconuts and vegetables), livestock (mostly pigs), 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. TransportationAirports: 2 (2005) Merchant marineTotal: 6 ships (1000 GRT or over) 106,003 GRT/56,674 DWT Sailing Specifics: Ports and terminalsLeava, Mata-Utu Other Sailing Destinations in the RegionAmerican Samoa - Australia - Cook Island - Easter Islands (Chile) - Federation of Micronesia - Fiji - Guam - USA (Hawaii) - Kiribati - Marshall Islands - Nauru - New Caledonia - New Zealand - Niue - Norfolk Island - Northern Mariana Islands - Palau - Papua New Guinea - Pitcairn Island - Samoa - Solomon Island - Tokelau - Tonga - Tuvalu - Vanuatu - Wallis and Futuna Further Reading |
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