Wallis and Futuna
Wallis and Futuna, officially the Territory of the Wallis and Futuna Islands[A][3] (/ˈwɒlɪs ... fuːˈtuːnə/), is a French island collectivity in the South Pacific, situated between Tuvalu to the northwest, Fiji to the southwest, Tonga to the southeast, Samoa to the east, and Tokelau to the northeast.
Wallis and Futuna
5 April 1887
16 February 1888
29 July 1961
28 March 2003
- Wallisian
- Futunan
Blaise Gourtay
Lino Leleivai
Eufenio Takala
1 senator (of 377)
1 seat (of 577)
142.42 km2 (54.99 sq mi)
negligible
524 m (1,719 ft)
11,151 (not ranked)
78.3/km2 (202.8/sq mi) (not ranked)
2005 estimate
$188 million[2]
$12,640[2]
right
Mata Utu is its capital and largest city. The territory's land area is 142.42 km2 (54.99 sq mi). It had a population of 11,151 at the July 2023 census (down from 14,944 at the 2003 census).[1] The territory is made up of three main volcanic tropical islands and a number of tiny islets. It is divided into two island groups that lie about 260 km (160 mi) apart: the Wallis Islands (also known as Uvea) in the northeast; and the Hoorn Islands (also known as the Futuna Islands) in the southwest, including Futuna Island proper and the mostly uninhabited Alofi Island.
Since 28 March 2003, Wallis and Futuna has been a French overseas collectivity (collectivité d'outre-mer, or COM).[4] Between 1961 and 2003, it had the status of a French overseas territory (territoire d'outre-mer, or TOM). Its official name did not change with the change in its status.
Environment[edit]
Deforestation is a major concern in the region as only small portions of the original forests remain due to the continued use of wood as the main source of fuel. Consequently, the mountainous terrain of Futuna has become prone to erosion. There are no permanent settlements on Alofi due to the lack of natural freshwater resources, and the presence of infertile soil on the islands of Uvea and Futuna further reduces agricultural productivity.[45]
Sport[edit]
Wallis and Futuna competes in the Pacific Games.[46] Volleyball and rugby union are popular in the territory,[47] with several rugby players going on to play for the France national rugby union team.[48]
