Country Profile: Wallis and Futuna
Wallis and Futuna is a French overseas collectivity located in the South Pacific Ocean, situated approximately two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand. The territory comprises three main islands, with a total land area of 142 square kilometers and a population projected to be around 15,998 in 2025. The economy is primarily agrarian, heavily reliant on French subsidies and remittances from the larger Wallisian and Futunan community in New Caledonia. Governed as a parliamentary democracy, it maintains a unique cultural identity marked by a strong influence of Polynesian traditions and Roman Catholicism.
Geography
Wallis and Futuna consists of two main islands, Wallis and Futuna, and several islets, totaling an area of 142 square kilometers. The landscape is characterized by volcanic origin with low hills and a tropical climate featuring a hot, rainy season from November to April and a cooler, dry season from May to October. The islands have no land boundaries but boast a coastline of 129 kilometers and multiple fringing reefs.
- 142 sq km: Total land area
- 129 km: Coastline length
- 522 m: Highest point (Mont Singavi on Futuna)
- 0 km: Land boundaries
People and Society
The population of Wallis and Futuna is predominantly Polynesian, with approximately 15,998 residents as estimated for 2025. The territory's official language is French, alongside indigenous languages such as Wallisian and Futunian. The society is largely Roman Catholic, and the territory exhibits a high literacy rate of 99.8%. The demographic structure is aging, with a median age of 36.9 years.
- 15,998: Estimated total population (2025)
- 99.8%: Literacy rate (2023)
- 81.1 years: Life expectancy (2024)
- 3.8 deaths/1,000: Infant mortality rate (2025)
Economy
Wallis and Futuna has a lower-middle-income, agrarian economy heavily reliant on French subsidies and fisheries licenses. The economy faces challenges such as an aging workforce and reliance on imports. Major agricultural products include coconuts, breadfruit, and fish, while the territory licenses fishing rights predominantly to Japan and South Korea.
- $32.54 million: Estimated revenues (2015)
- $34.18 million: Estimated expenditures (2015)
- 35%: Export share from Denmark (2023)
- 35%: Import share from Fiji (2023)
Government
As a parliamentary democracy and overseas collectivity of France, Wallis and Futuna's governance consists of a Territorial Assembly, with the capital located in Mata-Utu. The political structure allows for local representation while adhering to French civil law, with a significant role for traditional kings in local governance. The French president appoints the high administrator.
- 20: Seats in the Territorial Assembly
- 18 years: Minimum voting age
- 3: Administrative precincts
Military and Security
Defense matters in Wallis and Futuna are managed by France, ensuring that the territory is protected under the larger framework of French military resources and support.
Energy
No specific data on energy consumption is provided, but the territory faces environmental challenges such as deforestation and a lack of natural freshwater resources which impact energy and agricultural activities.
Environment
Environmental issues in Wallis and Futuna include deforestation, soil erosion, and limited freshwater resources, all of which stem from the reliance on wood for fuel and agricultural practices. The region's tropical climate contributes to its biodiversity but also poses risks of cyclones and other natural disasters.
- 74.9%: Forest coverage (2023)
- 42.3%: Land used for agriculture (2023)
Transportation
The territory has limited transportation infrastructure, featuring two airports and a small merchant marine fleet. The port in Mata-Utu serves as the primary entry point for goods and travel.
- 2: Airports (2025)
- 1: Merchant vessel (2023)
- 1: Key port (Mata-Utu, 2024)
Communications
Wallis and Futuna's communication infrastructure includes a modest number of fixed and mobile lines, with a notable percentage of the population having access to the internet. Broadcasting services are provided through the French Overseas Network.
- 12,200: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2023)
- 45.8%: Internet user penetration (2021)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 15,998 | Estimated for 2025 |
| Area | 142 sq km | Total land area |
| Life Expectancy | 81.1 years | Estimated for 2024 |
| Literacy Rate | 99.8% | Total population (2023) |
| Birth Rate | 11.63 births/1,000 | Estimated for 2025 |
| Death Rate | 6.13 deaths/1,000 | Estimated for 2025 |
| Total Fertility Rate | 1.71 children/woman | Estimated for 2025 |
| Unemployment Rate | Not available |
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