Background: Although discovered by the Dutch and the British in the 17th and 18th centuries it was the French who declared a protectorate over the islands in 1842. In 1959 the inhabitants of the islands voted to become a French overseas territory.
Climate: tropical; hot rainy season (November to April); cool dry season (May to October); rains 2,500-3,000 mm per year (80% humidity); average temperature 26.6 degrees C
Environment Current issues: deforestation (only small portions of the original forests remain) largely as a result of the continued use of wood as the main fuel source; as a consequence of cutting down the forests the mountainous terrain of Futuna is particularly prone to erosion; there are no permanent settlements on Alofi because of the lack of natural fresh water resources
Administrative divisions: none (overseas territory of France); there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government but there are three kingdoms named Wallis Sigave Alo
Legislative branch: unicameral Territorial Assembly or Assemblee Territoriale (20 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)
Judicial branch: none; justice generally administered under French law by the high administrator but the three traditional kings administer customary law and there is a magistrate in Mata-Utu
Political parties and leaders: Lua Kae Tahi (Giscardians) [leader NA]; Mouvement des Radicaux de Gauche or MRG [leader NA]; Rally for the Republic or RPR [leader NA]; Taumu'a Lelei [leader NA]; Union Populaire Locale or UPL [leader NA]; Union Pour la Democratie Francaise or UDF [leader NA]
Flag description: a large white modified Maltese cross centered on a red background; the flag of France outlined in white on two sides is in the upper hoist quadrant; the flag of France is used for official occasions
Economy overview: The economy is limited to traditional subsistence agriculture with about 80% of the labor force earning its livelihood from agriculture (coconuts and vegetables) livestock (mostly pigs) and fishing. About 4% of the population is employed in government. Revenues come from French Government subsidies licensing of fishing rights to Japan and South Korea import taxes and remittances from expatriate workers in New Caledonia.
Imports: $13.5 million (c.i.f. 1995 est.) Commodities: foodstuffs manufactured goods transportation equipment fuel clothing Partners: France Australia New Zealand
Exchange rates: Comptoirs Francais du Pacifique francs (CFPF) per US$1 - 117.67 (January 2000) 111.93 (1999) 107.25 (1998) 106.11 (1997) 93.00 (1996) 90.75 (1995); note - linked at the rate of 18.18 to the French franc