New Caledonia

Nouméa · Oceania

População

265K

World Bank, 2025

Área

18,575 km²

PIB

$8.5B

World Bank, 2025

PIB Per Capita

$29,213.192

World Bank, 2025

Expectativa de Vida

78.8 yrs

World Bank, 2025

Capital

Nouméa

New Caledonia is a country located in Oceania, with its capital in Nouméa. As of 2025, it has a population of 265K and covers an area of 18,575 km². The economy of New Caledonia has a gross domestic product (GDP) of $8.5B (World Bank, 2025), translating to a per-capita income of $29,213.192 with annual economic growth of -13.5%. Life expectancy in New Caledonia stands at 78.8 years (World Bank, 2025), above the global average of 72 years. The official language is French, and the currency is the CFP franc (₣). New Caledonia is an island nation with no land borders.

Population Growth — New Caledonia

GDP Trend (USD)

How Large Is New Caledonia's Economy?

New Caledonia's GDP of $8.5B makes it a high-income economy by World Bank classification. GDP per capita of $29,213 is 7% below the regional average of 31,500 (World Bank, 2025). The economy has contracted 4% over the past decade, from $10.2B in 2013 to $9.8B in 2023. The most recent annual growth rate of -13.5% is below the global median of 3.1% (World Bank, 2025). The unemployment rate of 11.2% is 107% above the regional average of 5.4 (World Bank, 2025). New Caledonia's official currency is the CFP franc (₣). As a non-UN member territory, New Caledonia's trade operates under bilateral agreements.

GDP

$8.5B

World Bank, 2025

GDP Per Capita

$29,213.192

World Bank, 2025

GDP Growth

-13.5%

Unemployment

11.2%

Inflation

—

Currencies

XPF

What Are New Caledonia's Demographics?

With 265K people, New Caledonia is a nation of 265K people. At 14 people per km², the country is sparsely populated. Population has grown at 0.5% annually over the past decade (World Bank, 2025). Life expectancy stands at 78.8 years, 6.8 years above the global average of 72 years. The country's official language is French. Over the past decade, New Caledonia's population grew from 196K to 290K, adding 94K people.

Population

265K

World Bank, 2025

Life Expectancy

78.8 yrs

World Bank, 2025

Infant Mortality

—

Literacy Rate

—

Languages

French

CO₂ Per Capita

—

Where Is New Caledonia Located?

New Caledonia covers 18,575 km² (7,000 sq miles) and shares no land borders. The country sits within the Oceania region, Melanesia subregion, spanning Oceania. As an island nation, it is entirely surrounded by water. Nouméa serves as the seat of government and administrative capital of New Caledonia. The country spans 1 time zone. Recognized internationally by ISO codes NC and NCL, New Caledonia is a dependent or non-self-governing territory and not a full UN member. Its 1 currency (XPF) reflects its trade arrangements within its particular governance status.

Area

18,575 km²

Region

Oceania

Subregion

Melanesia

Capital

Nouméa

Timezones

UTC+11:00

Continents

Oceania

Data sourced from World Bank Open Data. Last updated: March 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions about New Caledonia

What is the population of New Caledonia?

New Caledonia has a population of 265K as of 2025, according to World Bank data. Life expectancy is 78.8 years.

What is the capital of New Caledonia?

The capital of New Caledonia is Nouméa. It serves as the country's administrative and political center.

What is the GDP of New Caledonia?

New Caledonia's GDP is $8.5B as of 2025 (World Bank). GDP per capita is $29,213.192. The economy grew at -13.5% in 2025.

What is the life expectancy in New Caledonia?

The average life expectancy in New Caledonia is 78.8 years (World Bank, 2025), above the global average.

What region is New Caledonia in?

New Caledonia is located in Oceania, specifically in Melanesia. It is part of the continent of Oceania.

What is the size of New Caledonia?

New Caledonia covers an area of 18,575 km² (7,172 square miles). The population density is approximately 14.2 people per km².

What currency does New Caledonia use?

New Caledonia uses the CFP franc (₣) with currency code XPF.

What language is spoken in New Caledonia?

The official language of New Caledonia is French.

Is New Caledonia a member of the United Nations?

New Caledonia is not currently a full member of the United Nations.

What is New Caledonia's GDP?

New Caledonia's GDP is $8.5B (World Bank, 2025). This places it among Oceania's economies by total output.

What is New Caledonia's GDP per capita?

New Caledonia's GDP per capita is $29,213, which is 7% below the regional average of 31,500 (World Bank, 2025).

What is New Caledonia's inflation rate?

Data not available.

What is the population density of New Caledonia?

New Caledonia has a population density of 14 people per km², making it sparsely populated.

What is the life expectancy in New Caledonia?

Life expectancy in New Caledonia is 78.8 years, 6.8 years above the global average of 72 years (World Bank, 2025).

What is the total area of New Caledonia?

New Caledonia has a total land area of 18,575 km² (7,000 sq miles). This measurement covers the country's total sovereign territory as recorded by international geographic databases.

How many countries does New Caledonia border?

New Caledonia does not share any land borders with other countries. It is entirely surrounded by water, making it an island or island-group nation.