What is the history and political status of New Caledonia?
Posted on Jan 08, 2026 / Travel
New Caledonia was colonised by France in the 19th century and later became an overseas territory and then a unique collectivity with special status under the Nouméa Accord signed in 1998. The accord granted increased autonomy and provided for a series of planned referendums on independence, reflecting long-standing discussions about the territory’s future. In referendums held in 2018, 2020, and 2021, a majority of voters chose to remain part of France, though some votes were marked by boycotts and political tension. In 2025, leaders signed the Bougival Accord, a new agreement proposing a “State of New Caledonia” inside the French Republic that may be put to referendum and further constitutional change. Political life in New Caledonia is shaped by these ongoing discussions about identity, autonomy, and governance. The mix of Kanak traditions and French political influence adds complexity to debates about independence. These developments reflect both a long history of negotiation and a desire for a future tailored to local aspirations.
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