Wallis and Futuna

Wallis and Futuna, officially called the Territory of the Wallis and Futuna Islands, is a group of islands in the South Pacific. It is a special part of France and lies between Tuvalu, Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, and Tokelau. The main town is Mata Utu.

The islands cover an area of 142.42 km² (54.99 sq mi) and are made of three big volcanic islands and many tiny islets. There are two main island groups, the Wallis Islands (also called Uvea) and the Hoorn Islands (also called the Futuna Islands), which include Futuna Island and the mostly empty Alofi Island. These groups are about 260 km (160 mi) apart.

In July 2023, about 11,151 people lived there, which is fewer than in 2003 when there were 14,944 people. Since 2003, Wallis and Futuna has been a French overseas collectivity, meaning it is closely linked to France but also has some self-government.

History

The earliest signs of people living on Wallis and Futuna come from artifacts from the Lapita culture, dating back to between 850 and 800 BCE. The islands were important stops for boats traveling between Fiji and Samoa. In the 15th and 16th centuries, Tonga invaded the islands. Futuna kept more of its original culture, while Wallis changed more.

Drawing of Wallis Island by Captain Samuel Wallis in 1767

Europeans first mapped Futuna in 1616, naming it "Hoornse Eylanden" after a Dutch town. The Wallis Islands were named after British explorer Samuel Wallis, who visited them in 1767. French missionaries arrived in 1837, bringing Catholicism to the islands. In 1887, Wallis became a French protectorate, and Futuna followed in 1888. By 1917, France fully controlled the islands.

During World War II, Wallis was isolated for a time but later became a base for Allied forces. After the war, the islands faced economic challenges. In 1959, the people voted to become a separate French overseas territory, which happened in 1961. Over the years, the islands have had several traditional kings, with changes in leadership happening in the 2000s.

Governance and law

Main article: Politics of Wallis and Futuna

Wallis and Futuna is split into three traditional areas called kingdoms: Uvea on Wallis Island, Sigave on the western part of Futuna Island, and Alo on the eastern part of Futuna and the small island of Alofi. The main town and capital is Mata Utu, located on Uvea, the biggest island in Wallis.

As a special part of France, Wallis and Futuna follows the rules set by the French constitution. People over 18 can vote in elections. The leader of France, Emmanuel Macron, is the head of state, and a special representative called the high administrator helps run the government. There is also a group called the Territorial Assembly with 20 members who are chosen by voters to help make laws. Wallis and Futuna sends one representative to the French Senate and another to the French National Assembly.

In serious legal matters, French laws apply, but for some smaller issues, the traditional kingdoms help decide what is fair based on their own customs.

Kingdom District	Capital	Area (km²)	Population 2003 census	Population 2018 census	Population 2023 census	2003–2018 evolution	Villages
Wallis Island
Uvea (Wallis)	Mata Utu	77.5	10,071	8,333	8,088	−17.3%	21
Hihifo ("west")	Vaitupu	23.4	2,422	1,942	1,855	−19.8%	5
Hahake ("east")	Mata Utu	27.8	3,950	3,415	3,343	−13.5%	6
Mu'a ("first")	Mala'efo'ou	26.3	3,699	2,976	2,890	−19.5%	10
Futuna
Sigave (Singave)	Leava	16.75	1,880	1,275	1,188	−32.2%	6
Alo	Ono	47.5	2,993	1,950	1,875	−34.8%	9
Total Futuna	Leava	64.25	4,873	3,225	3,063	−33.8%	15
Overall total	Mata Utu	142.42	14,944	11,558	11,151	−22.7%	36
Refers to villages with municipal status. Formerly called Mua. Alofi is virtually uninhabited; administratively it falls under Alo.

Geography and climate

Wallis and Futuna is located between Samoa and Fiji, about one-third of the way from New Zealand towards Hawaii. The territory includes three main islands: Uvéa (also called Wallis), Futuna, and Alofi, along with 20 smaller islets. The total land area is 274 km² (106 sq mi), with 129 km (80 mi) of coastline. The highest point is Mont Puke on Futuna, standing at 524 m (1,719 ft).

The islands have a hot, rainy season from November to April, often bringing storms from tropical cyclones. From May to October, cooler, dry weather comes from southeast trade winds. Rain falls about 260 days a year, with temperatures usually between 24°C and 32°C. Only small parts of the land can be used for farming, and forests are limited because wood is often used for fuel, which can cause erosion, especially on Futuna. Alofi has no natural freshwater and no permanent homes. Some crater lakes from old volcanic activity can be found on Uvéa. Wallis and Futuna is part of the Fiji tropical moist forests ecoregion.

Location map of Wallis and Futuna in relation to France.

Islands

Here are images of the islands in Wallis and Futuna. You can see Wallis Island in one picture, and Futuna Island and Alofi Island, also called the Hoorn Islands, in another picture.

Island	Capital	Other villages	Area (km²)	Population
Wallis and Futuna	Mata Utu	Leava, Vaitupu, Alele, Liku, Falaleu, Utufua	142.42	11,558
Hoorn Islands (Futuna and Alofi islands)	Leava	Fiua, Nuku, Taoa, Mala'e, Ono, Vele	64.1	3,239
Alofi			17.8	0
Futuna	Leava	Toloke, Fiua, Vaisei, Nuku, Taoa, Mala'e, Kolopelu, Ono, Kolia, Vele, Kolotai, Laloua, Poi, Tamana, Tuatafa, Tavai	46.3	3,225
Faioa			0.68	0
Fenuafo'ou			0.03	0
Fugalei			0.18	0
Ilot St. Christophe	Chappel St. Christophe		0.03	0
Luaniva			0.18	0
Nukuatea			0.74	0
Nukufotu			0.04	0
Nukuhifala	Nukuhifala		0.067	4
Nukuhione			0.02	0
Nukuloa	Nukuloa		0.35	10
Nukutapu			0.05	0
Nukuteatea			0.1	0
Other	Nukuato		0.043	0
Wallis Islands	Mata Utu	Vaitupu, Alele, Liku, Falaleu, Utufua, Mala'efo'ou, Mala'e	75.9	8,333
Wallis (island)	Mata Utu	Vaitupu, Alele, Liku, Falaleu, Utufua, Mala'efo'ou, Mala'e	75.8	8,333
Tekaviki			0.01	0
Other			0	0
Wallis and Futuna	Mata Utu	Leava, Vaitupu, Alele, Liku, Falaleu, Utufua	142.42	11,558

Flora and fauna

Brown boobies watching over their nests

Wallis and Futuna have many different kinds of plants and animals. On Wallis, there are 639 types of fish that live near the coast. In fresh water, scientists have found three kinds of small creatures and four kinds of fish, including a special one called Stiphodon rubromaculatus. The only wild mammals there are bats, and there is one kind of amphibian that was brought to the islands by people. A spider called Schizocosa vulpecula also lives there.

Various fish caught in the Wallis lagoon (2012)

Pigs are very important in the culture of Wallis and Futuna, and many families raise them.

In 2022, experts found that many of the special plants on Wallis and Futuna are in danger of disappearing. This is a big concern for the islands.

Climate change

Wallis and Futuna is affected by climate change. Taking sand for building makes the coast wear away faster. With rising sea levels, this means there will be less land to live on, and people may need to move farther inland. However, the way land is used is complicated and must be considered carefully.

Hurricanes are happening more often, sometimes even outside the usual season, like Cyclone Ella in 2017. Climate change could also make it harder to grow enough food, which might mean the islands need to buy more food from other places. Any plans to help with these problems need to respect the traditions and social structure of the island’s people.

Economy

Main article: Economy of Wallis and Futuna

Wallis and Futuna's economy is mostly based on farming, with many people growing things like coconuts and vegetables, raising pigs, and fishing. A small part of the population works for the government. The territory also gets money from the French government, taxes on imports, and support from people who work in nearby places like New Caledonia, French Polynesia, and France.

Important products from the islands include copra, fish, and some handmade goods. There is one bank in the territory, Banque de Wallis-et-Futuna, which is part of BNP Paribas.

Infrastructure

Wallis and Futuna has places where ships can stop to bring goods, like in Halalo and Mata-Utu. On Futuna, ships can come in through Sigave Bay when the weather is calm.

Electricity came to the islands in 1987, mostly from generators that run on gasoline. In 2023, solar power plants were added in Lavegahau, Falaleu, and Vaitupu on Wallis, and in Mamati on Futuna. More solar plants are planned for 2026 to help the islands use cleaner energy and save money.

High-speed internet began in 2007, managed by a local service that works with Orange. In the 2020s, many people started using Starlink internet from SpaceX.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Wallis and Futuna

The population of Wallis and Futuna in July 2023 was 11,151 people, with most living on Wallis Island and some on Futuna Island. Most people are of Polynesian heritage, with a few from France.

Futuna Island

Many young people from Wallis and Futuna move to New Caledonia for better job chances. They are allowed to live and work there because they are French citizens. Since around 2000, more people have left due to disagreements among leaders on Wallis Island.

Languages

Further information: Wallisian language and Futunan language

In homes, most people speak Wallisian or Futunan. Some also speak French. In 2018, about 59% of people mainly spoke Wallisian at home, 28% spoke Futunan, and 13% spoke French.

Religion

The main religion in Wallis and Futuna is Catholicism, which most people practice. This started when missionaries arrived in the 1840s. There are also a few people who follow other beliefs or have no religion. Traditional beliefs mixed with Catholicism over time.

Religious festivals are very important. They include ceremonies called katoaga, where special events happen to honor important days or people. These festivals have been part of the culture for a long time and are still practiced today.

The islands have many colorful churches made from volcanic stone. Each church is unique and important to the local culture.

1969	1976	1983	1990	1996	2003	2008	2013	2018	2023
8,546	9,192	12,408	13,705	14,166	14,944	13,484	12,197	11,558	11,151
Official figures from past censuses.

Percentages of speakers of each language
Language most spoken at home in Wallis and Futuna	2008	2013	2018	2023	Change (2018 – 2023)
Wallisian	60.15	58.14	59.15	57.32	1.83
Futunan	29.89	28.40	27.89	28.20	0.31
French	9.71	13.08	12.72	14.29	1.57
Other	0.25	0.38	0.24	0.19	0.05

Culture

Main article: Culture of Wallis and Futuna

The culture of Wallis and Futuna is Polynesian, much like its neighbors Samoa and Tonga. The Wallisian and Futunan cultures share similar languages, dance, foods, and ways to celebrate. You can find traditional oval houses called fale and enjoy the popular drink kava, made from a special plant. The islands are also known for beautiful tapa cloth art.

Main article: Dance of Wallis and Futuna

Dancing is a big part of life here. Each year, people hold dance contests, with famous dances like the Soamako. There are also dances such as the Niutao, Kailao, and Eke, often showing stories of brave warriors. The songs for these dances are made just for special events, so there’s always something new.

People on the islands are also very skilled at making things by hand. They use wood to carve animals and nature scenes, coconut shells to make pretty necklaces and decorations, and a plant fiber called lafe to create a special cloth known as tapa. This cloth can be used for decorations, weddings, or even special clothing.

Painting

The islands have a few artists, such as Aloisio Pilioko, Soane Takaniua, and Rebecca Kulimoetoke. Some artists live in places like New Caledonia and France.

Poetry

Virginie Tafilagi is the only poet from Wallis and Futuna. She has worked on books with writers from New Caledonia and France.

Transportation

The island of Wallis has about 100 kilometers of roads, with 16 of them paved. Futuna has about 20 kilometers of roads, but none are paved. There are two main ports at Mata Utu and Leava, supporting a small fleet of ships for passengers and fuel.

There are two airports: Hihifo Airport on Wallis with a paved runway, and Pointe Vele Airport on Futuna with a shorter runway. Commercial flights to and from Wallis are operated by Aircalin, which has an office in Mata Utu. Currently, there are no commercial boat services.

Media and communications

Wallis and Futuna has its own television channel and radio station, called Wallis-et-Futuna La Première. The radio broadcasts in French, Wallisian, and Futunan languages.

In the past, there were several local newspapers, but they stopped publishing in the early 2000s. Today, the main newspaper is _Les Nouvelles calédoniennes, which shares a few stories each week about life in Wallis and Futuna.

The internet has become more available, with many people now using broadband. In the past, internet was slow and costly because it relied on satellites. But a new underwater cable now lets Wallis and Futuna connect to the internet faster, like many other places.

Since 2015, Wallis and Futuna has had a mobile phone network called Manuia. Before this, it was the last French territory without mobile phones. Now, the islands have made big steps forward in communication, from old ways to modern phones and internet.

Education

Historically, Catholic missionaries started the first schools on Wallis and Futuna. In 1933, a resident tried to open a public school, but it did not last long. Teaching was first done in the local languages until 1961, when it switched to French. In 1969, an agreement was made between the government and the Catholic Church to handle primary education together.

Today, primary schools are funded by the government and follow a special agreement renewed every five years. There are now 18 primary schools with over 5,200 students. Secondary education is managed by the government and includes six junior high schools and one senior high school. Most teachers come from France for short-term jobs. The teaching plans are based on those used in France but include some local traditions and languages. This mix helps both local and French identities to grow together.

Healthcare

In 2018, a disease called yaws was common in Wallis and Futuna, but not all cases were being told to a health program run by the World Health Organization.

People can get medical care for free at two hospitals, one on Uvea Island and one on Futuna Island. There are also three smaller health centers called dispensaries where people can get help.

Environment

The islands of Wallis and Futuna face serious problems with losing their trees, as many forests have disappeared because people use wood for fuel. This has caused soil to wash away, especially on the steep, rocky parts of Futuna. There are no towns on Alofi because it lacks fresh water, and the soil on Uvea and Futuna is not good for growing crops, making it hard to produce food.

Sport

Wallisians and Futunans make up a small part of the French population, but they are very important in sports. Many sports are played there, including athletics. One special sport is the javelin throw. Famous athletes from Wallis and Futuna include Jean-Paul Lakafia, who set French records in javelin throwing, and Aukusitino Hoatau, who won a silver medal in discus at the 2011 Pacific Games.

Rugby is also very popular. Many players from Wallis and Futuna have played for the French national team. Rugby sevens is another popular sport there. Volleyball has grown a lot since the 1980s, with many players from the same families representing the French national team.

There is also a local football (soccer) team, and some players from Wallis and Futuna play in mainland France and other countries. The territory takes part in the Pacific Games and even hosted the Pacific Mini Games in 2013. There are places to practice many sports, like athletics, volleyball, handball, and badminton.