Wallis and Futuna Islands
WALLIS AND FUTUNA (ISLANDS)
An overseas territory of France, located in Oceania, in the central part of the Pacific Ocean. It includes the group of Wallis Islands, Futuna Island, and Alofi Island. The territory covers 21A km². The administrative center is Mata-Utu (on Uvea Island in the Wallis Islands group) - 1.1 thousand. Population - 14.1 thousand (1997); on Wallis Islands - 9.5 thousand, mainly Polynesians.
The official language is French. Religion: 99% - Catholics. Currency - euro.
Europeans landed on Futuna Island in 1616, and on Wallis Islands in 1767. Since 1888, Wallis and Futuna Islands have been a protectorate, and since July 1961 - an overseas territory of France. They are governed by a high administrator (K Job), representing France and exercising executive power. The local governing body is the Territorial Assembly, consisting of 20 members elected on a proportional basis for a term of 5 years. An advisory body to the administrator is the Territory Council (6 members). The islands are represented in the French parliament by 1 deputy and 1 senator. In addition to the official authority, there is traditional authority represented by three kings.
There are no political parties. The local trade union center is the Union Locale Force Ouvrière.
GDP (2002) - 3900 USD per capita. Assistance from the metropolis (2001) - about 65.7 million euros.
In agriculture, 80% of the economically active population is employed. 25% of the land is cultivated. Main agricultural products: coconuts, bananas, pineapples, mangoes, breadfruit, etc. Animal husbandry includes raising poultry, pigs, as well as horses and cattle. Fishing is conducted (there is an agreement with Japan and the Republic of Korea for fishing in the 200-mile zone).
The islands are visited by up to 2000 tourists annually (mainly from the metropolis).
There is air communication with New Caledonia.
Exports (2000) - 181 thousand euros (seafood, handicraft products). Imports - 39.4 million euros (food products, cars, building materials).
Radio and television broadcasts are provided by the company "Réseau France Outre-Mer" and the channel "France 6".
