Easo, New Caldonia

Geography:  New Caldonia are the islands in the South Pacific Ocean that are east of Australia

Currency:  South Pacific Franc (CFP or XFP)

National Symbol:  Kagu Bird

National Anthem:  "Soyons unis, devenons freres" Let Us Be United, Let Us Become Brothers

Language:  French

Area Comparison:  New Caldonia is slightly smaller than New Jersey

Distance from Pittsburgh: 13,544km or 8,415miles

Terrain:  The terrain is coastal plains with interior mountains

Highest Point: Mont Panie 1,628 m

Weather You Should Expect:  A tropical climate modified by southeast trade winds. Hot and humid

What You Must See: We is Lifou's main settlement which is centrally located on the island's east coast. The main attraction here is the magnificent beach. You can also shop for local products at the open-air market. Joking Cliffs is Lifou's northernmost village is famous for its 40m-high cliffs, which overhang crystal-clear waters teeming with fish. Also there is Mucaweng Vanilla Plantation which is set within a beautiful forest on the island's north coast. The Grand 'Hut' of the Chief of Hnathalo is the main 'hut' of the Hnathalo tribe, with its huge open fireplace, is set in a garden behind the chief's house. Finally, Luengoni Bay, with its stunning turquoise lagoon, is reputed to be the most beautiful in New Caledonia. There is a spectacular coral rock emerging from the lagoon.

Historical Fact: Settled by both Britain and France during the first half of the 19th century, the island was made a French possession in 1853. It served as a penal colony for four decades after 1864. Agitation for independence during the 1980s and early 1990s ended in the 1998 Noumea Accord, which over a period of 15 to 20 years will transfer an increasing amount of governing responsibility from France to New Caledonia.

Science Trivia:  Lifou's caves which include the Grotto D'Avio, has 4km-long stalactites and a jade waterhole. The Devil's Cave, near the village of Tingeting, has three huge interlinked caverns.

Interesting Fact: New Caldonia consists of the main island of New Caledonia, the archipelago of Iles Loyaute, and numerous small, sparsely populated islands and atolls

Fun Fact: The main island of New Caldonia is one of the largest in the Pacific Ocean

Everything You Need to Know About the Flag:
It is France's Flag!

Three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), white, and red make up the flag which is known as the "Le drapeau tricolore" (French Tricolor). The origin of the flag dates to 1790 and the French Revolution when the "ancient French color" of white was combined with the blue and red colors of the Parisian militia. The design and/or colors are similar to a number of other flags, including those of Belgium, Chad, Cote d'Ivoire, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, and Netherlands.