New Caledonia - Government
Based on the etymolgy of New Caledonia, it was British explorer Captain James COOK discovered and named New Caledonia in 1774; he used the appellation because the northeast of the island reminded him of Scotland (Caledonia is the Latin designation for Scotland). The Government system in this country is the parliamentary democracy (Territorial Congress); an overseas collectivity of France type and the different Administrative divisions includes: 3 provinces; Province Iles (Islands Province), Province Nord (North Province), and Province Sud (South Province)
National symbols

Fleche faitiere (native rooftop adornment), kagu bird; national colors: gray, red.

The flag
The National flag of New Caledonia has New Caledonia has two official flags; alongside the flag of France, the Kanak (indigenous Melanesian) flag has equal status; the latter consists of three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), red, and green; a large yellow disk - diameter two-thirds the height of the flag - shifted slightly to the hoist side is edged in black and displays a black fleche faitiere symbol, a native rooftop adornment.
The National Anthem
Title "Soyons unis, devenons freres" (Let Us Be United, Let Us Become Brothers)
Lyric/music Chorale Melodia (a local choir)
More about the government of New Caledonia
Date of Independence none (overseas collectivity of France); note - in three independence referenda, on 4 November 2018, 4 October 2020, and 12 December 2021, the majority voted to reject independence in favor of maintaining the status quo; an 18-month transition period is now in place (ending 30 June 2023), during which a referendum on the new status of New Caledonia within France will take place
National holiday Fête de la Fédération, 14 July (1790); note - the local holiday is New Caledonia Day, 24 September (1853)
Legal system civil law system based on French civil law
International law organization participation
Constitution
History 4 October 1958 (French Constitution with changes as reflected in the Noumea Accord of 5 May 1998)
Amendments French constitution amendment procedures apply
Citizenship
Executive Branch
Chief of state President Emmanuel MACRON (since 14 May 2017); represented by High Commissioner Louise LEFRANC (since 6 February 2023)
Head of government President of the Government Alcide PONGA (since 8 January 2025)
Cabinet Cabinet elected from and by the Territorial Congress
Elections/appointments French president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); high commissioner appointed by the French president on the advice of the French Ministry of Interior; president of New Caledonia elected by Territorial Congress for a 5-year term (no term limits); election last held on 8 July 2021 (next to be held in 2026)
Election results
2021: Louis MAPOU (PALIKA) elected president by Territorial Congress with 6 of 11 votes

2019: Thierry SANTA (The Republicans) elected president by Territorial Congress with 6 of 11 votes
Legislative branch
Legislature name Territorial Congress (Congrès du Territoire)
Legislative structure Unicameral
Number of seats 54 (indirectly elected)
Electoral system Proportional representation
Scope of elections Full renewal
Term in office 5 years
Most recent election date 5/12/2019
Parties elected and seats per party Future With Confidence 18, UNI 9, UC 9, CE 7, FLNKS 6, Oceanic Awakening 3, PT 1, LKS 1 (Anti-Independence 28, Pro-Independence 26)
Expected date of next election December 2024
Judicial branch
Highest court(s) Court of Appeal in Noumea or Cour d'Appel; organized into civil, commercial, social, and pre-trial investigation chambers; court bench normally includes the court president and 2 counselors); Administrative Court (number of judges NA); note - final appeals beyond the Court of Appeal are referred to the Court of Cassation or Cour de Cassation (in Paris); final appeals beyond the Administrative Court are referred to the Administrative Court of Appeal (in Paris)
Judge selection and term of office Judge appointment and tenure based on France's judicial system
Subordinate courts Courts of First Instance include: civil, juvenile, commercial, labor, police, criminal, assizes, and also a pre-trial investigation chamber; Joint Commerce Tribunal; administrative courts
Diplomatic representation in the US
Diplomatic representation from the US
Embassy None (overseas territory of France)
National heritage
Total World Heritage Sites 1 (natural); note - excerpted from the France entry
Selected World Heritage Site locales Lagoons of New Caledonia
Key Political parties and their leaders in New Caledonia
    • International organization participation
  • ITUC (NGOs)
  • PIF
  • SPC
  • UPU
  • WFTU (NGOs)
  • WMO
    • All Important Facts about New Caledonia

    Want to know more about New Caledonia? Check all different factbooks for New Caledonia below.

    New Caledonia is found in Melanesia