Wallis and Futuna Islands

Wallis and Futuna Islands, overseas territory of France, in the south-western Pacific Ocean. The territory consists of two groups of volcanic islands approximately 200 km (125 mi) apart, and having a total area of about 274 sq km (106 sq mi). The Wallis Archipelago comprises a main island and about 20 smaller islands and islets. The main island, Wallis (Uvea), is hilly and dotted with numerous lake-filled craters surrounded by steep cliffs. The Futuna Archipelago consists of two mountainous islands, Futuna (Hooru) and Alofi. On Futuna the land rises steeply from a narrow coastal plain to a highest point of 875 m (2,870 ft). The coasts of Alofi are fringed by wide reefs; the highest summit here is 401 m (1,315 ft). The capital of the territory is Mata Utu on Wallis Island.

The climate is tropical, but moderated by ocean breezes. From October to April the weather is cool and dry with temperatures ranging between 20° and 25° C (68° and 77° F). A season of hurricanes with torrential rains and higher temperatures begins in April.

Except for cattle, sheep, and goats introduced by the administration, the only indigenous animals are snakes, lizards, and pigeons. Coconut palms and breadfruit, mango, and orange trees are grown on the coasts, and the hills are densely forested. The territory has an administrator, appointed by the French government, and a 20-member territorial assembly, popularly elected for a 5-year term. The people, who enjoy all the rights and privileges of French citizenship, also elect one deputy and one senator to the French National Assembly. Traditionally, the islands have been divided into three kingdoms—Alo, Sigave, and Uvea (Wallis). The three kings and three other candidates appointed by the administrator form the Council of the Territory; the kings also administer customary law.

Futuna and Alofi were sighted in 1617 by two Dutch navigators. Wallis was visited 100 years later by the British explorer Samuel Wallis. French Roman Catholic missions were established in the islands in 1837, and the indigenous people were converted to Christianity. The French declared a protectorate over Wallis and Futuna in 1842. The people voted overwhelmingly, in December 1959, for French citizenship and status as an overseas territory, which was granted two years later. Population 16,309 (2007 estimate).