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Wallis and Futuna flag

Wallis and Futuna

Wallis et Futuna

Capital:Mata-Utu (on Ile Uvea)
Population:15,343
Currency:CFP Franc (XPF)
Language:French, Wallisian (indigenous Polynesian language)
The main bay in Wallis

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Quick Look Factsheet

A multi-page overview of Wallis and Futuna.

Wallis and Futuna Factsheet

Customs and Culture

Cultural Attributes

The culture of Wallis and Futuna is deeply rooted in Polynesian traditions, shaped by centuries of social organization centered on chieftainship, communal life, and a strong connection to the land and sea. The territory comprises three main islands — Wallis (Uvea), Futuna, and Alofi — each maintaining distinct local identities and dialects, though all share a broadly Polynesian cultural heritage. Social structure plays a central role in daily life. Three traditional kingdoms — the Kingdom of Uvea on Wallis, and the Kingdoms of Alo and Sigave on Futuna — continue to hold significant cultural and ceremonial authority alongside the French territorial administration. The kings, known as lavelua (Uvea) and tuigaifo or keletaona (Futuna), are figures of deep respect and participate in official ceremonies and community decision-making. Roman Catholicism, introduced by French missionaries in the 19th century, has become thoroughly integrated into cultural identity. Nearly the entire population identifies as Catholic, and religious festivals, processions, and Sunday observances are important community events. The Cathedral of Saint Joseph in Mata-Utu on Wallis Island is a prominent cultural landmark and a focal point for the local community. Traditional arts and crafts remain vibrant. Woven goods, tapa cloth made from beaten bark, and wood carving are practiced and valued as both functional and ceremonial objects. Dance and music, particularly traditional songs performed in Wallisian and Futunan languages, are central to celebrations and community gatherings. The local languages — Wallisian (Uvean) and Futunan — are spoken widely alongside French, which is the official administrative language. Language preservation is a point of cultural pride, particularly as emigration to New Caledonia and metropolitan France has been significant, with more people of Wallisian and Futunan origin now living outside the islands than within them. Food culture reflects the surrounding Pacific environment, with subsistence farming and fishing remaining important. Taro, yams, breadfruit, and seafood are dietary staples, often prepared and shared communally during feasts that mark life events and religious occasions.

The main bay in Wallis

Islands of Uncharted Grace

Local Church

Holidays

  • Bastille Day

    7/14

    Other

Dates of Interest

  • July 14th

How do people greet each other in Wallis and Futuna?

Social interaction is shaped by respect for traditional authority, so acknowledging chiefs and kings with deference is important.

Do

  • Show deep respect toward the traditional kings (lavelua on Uvea, tuigaifo or keletaona on Futuna)
  • Learn a few words in Wallisian or Futunan, as language is a point of cultural pride

Good to know

  • French is the official administrative language, spoken alongside Wallisian and Futunan

What is dining like in Wallis and Futuna?

Food culture centers on locally grown and caught staples, often shared communally at feasts.

Do

  • Expect taro, yams, breadfruit, and seafood as dietary staples
  • Join communal feasts that mark life events and religious occasions

Good to know

  • Subsistence farming and fishing remain important to daily food supply

What social etiquette should travelers know in Wallis and Futuna?

Communal life and respect for chieftainship structure everyday social conduct, and Catholicism is woven into community life.

Do

  • Respect the ceremonial authority of the three traditional kingdoms (Uvea, Alo, and Sigave)
  • Observe the importance of Sunday religious observances, festivals, and processions
  • Treat the Cathedral of Saint Joseph in Mata-Utu as a significant community landmark

Good to know

  • Nearly the entire population identifies as Roman Catholic

What arts and cultural activities are valued in Wallis and Futuna?

Traditional arts, music, and dance remain vibrant parts of community life.

Do

  • Appreciate woven goods, tapa cloth made from beaten bark, and wood carving
  • Enjoy traditional dance and songs performed in Wallisian and Futunan

Good to know

  • Crafts serve both functional and ceremonial purposes

What should travelers know before visiting Wallis and Futuna?

The territory spans three main islands — Wallis (Uvea), Futuna, and Alofi — each with distinct local identities and dialects within a shared Polynesian heritage.

Good to know

  • Traditional kingdoms hold ceremonial authority alongside the French territorial administration
  • Many people of Wallisian and Futunan origin now live in New Caledonia and metropolitan France

Last updated: 2026-07-12 · Sources: CountryReports

Photos of Wallis and Futuna

Travel and Tourism

Currency
Comptoirs Francais du Pacifique franc (XPF)
Time Difference
UTC+12 (17 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
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
Airports
2
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History

Historical Eras

  1. Polynesian Settlement

    1000 – 1616

    Wallis and Futuna were settled by Polynesian voyagers, with Futuna likely inhabited as early as the first millennium CE. The islands developed distinct chieftain-based societies organized into the kingdoms of Uvea (Wallis), Sigave, and Alo (Futuna), which maintained their own traditions, hierarchies, and inter-island relationships long before European contact.

  2. European Contact

    1616 – 1842

    Dutch navigators Willem Schouten and Jakob le Maire became the first Europeans to sight Futuna in 1616. British captain Samuel Wallis visited the island that bears his name in 1767. Catholic missionaries from the Society of Mary arrived in 1837, rapidly Christianizing the islands and laying the groundwork for French influence.

  3. French Protectorate

    1842 – 1924

    France declared protectorates over Wallis in 1887 and Futuna in 1888, placing both administratively under New Caledonia. The traditional kingdoms were retained as ceremonial structures under French oversight. In 1924 the islands were formally granted colonial status, though they remained subordinate to the New Caledonian administration.

  4. World War II & Transition

    1924 – 1961

    During World War II, the islands' strategic location led to the arrival of approximately 2,000 U.S. troops in 1942, who constructed infrastructure that transformed local society. In 1959, the inhabitants voted by referendum to become a French overseas territory, and by 1961 the islands were administratively separated from New Caledonia and granted their own distinct status.

  5. Overseas Territory

    1961 – present

    As a French overseas collectivity, Wallis and Futuna retains a unique governance structure combining French republican administration with three traditional Polynesian kingdoms — Uvea, Sigave, and Alo — whose customary chiefs hold recognized ceremonial authority. The territory remains one of France's smallest and most isolated Pacific possessions, heavily dependent on French subsidies and remittances from emigrants to New Caledonia.

Overview

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. There are still three ceremonial kingdoms within the territory: Alo, Sigave, Wallis. The islands are volcanic in origin, with low hills, and fringing reefs.

Timeline of Key Events

  1. 1616

    Islands sighted by Dutch navigators Willem Schouten and Jakob le Maire.

    Islands sighted by Dutch navigators Willem Schouten and Jakob le Maire. Islands named Hoorn Islands.

  2. 1767

    Wallis visited by, named after British navgator Samuel Wallis.

    Wallis visited by, named after British navgator Samuel Wallis.

  3. 1887

    France declared protectorate over Wallis.

    France declared protectorate over Wallis.

  4. 1888

    Wallis and Futuna were placed administratively under New Caledonia

    Wallis and Futuna were placed administratively under New Caledonia

  5. 1888

    France declared protectorate over Futuna.

    France declared protectorate over Futuna.

  6. 1917

    Wallis and Futuna administratively placed under New Caledonia.

    Wallis and Futuna administratively placed under New Caledonia.

  7. 1924

    Islands granted status as a colony, still administratively under New Caledonia.

    Islands granted status as a colony, still administratively under New Caledonia.

View full timeline (10 events)
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Interesting Facts

  • Wallis and Futuna are two island groups separated by 150 miles of ocean in the central South Pacific. Since 1959 they have been joined together as a French overseas territory. Lying west of Samoa and slightly off the route to Fiji, Wallis and Futuna are not often visited by cruising yachts.

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Geography and Environment

Terrain
volcanic origin; low hills
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
Natural Hazards
NA
Current Environmental 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
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People & Demographics

Religion

Languages Spoken

French, Wallisian (indigenous Polynesian language)

  • French

Population

Population
15,343
Population in Major Urban Areas
MATA-UTU (capital) 1,000
Nationality Noun
Wallisian(s), Futunan(s), or Wallis and Futuna Islanders
Ethnic Groups
Polynesian

Education

Literacy Definition
age 15 and over can read and write
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Government & Politics

Country Identity

Country Name
WallisandFutuna
Full Country Name
Territory of the Wallis and Futuna Islands
Local - Long
Territoire des Iles Wallis et Futuna
Local - Short
Wallis et Futuna

Government Structure

Government Type
NA
Legal System
French legal system
Executive Branch
chief of state: President Emmanuel MACRON of France (since 14 May 2017), represented by Prefect Blaise GOURTAY (since 2022) head of government: President of the Territorial Assembly Munipoese MULI'AKA'AKA (since March 2022) cabinet: Council of the Territory consists of three kings and three members appointed by the high administrator on the advice of the Territorial Assembly note: there are three traditional kings — the kings of Uvea, Sigave, and Alo — who hold customary authority with limited formal powers elections: French president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; the prefect (high administrator) is appointed by the French president on the advice of the French Ministry of the Interior; the presidents of the Territorial Government and the Territorial Assembly are elected by the members of the assembly
Legislative Branch
unicameral Territorial Assembly or Assemblee Territoriale (20 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) elections: last held 11 March 2002 (next to be held March 2007) election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - RPR and affiliates 13, Socialists and affiliates 7 note: Wallis and Futuna elects one senator to the French Senate and one deputy to the French National Assembly; French Senate - elections last held 27 September 1998 (next to be held by September 2007); results - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats - RPR (now UMP) 1; French National Assembly - elections last held 16 June 2002 (next to be held by NA 2007); results - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats - RPR (UMP) 1
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
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Constitution
28 September 1958 (French Constitution)
Independence
none (overseas territory of France)
National Holiday
Bastille Day, 14 July (1789)

Capital City

Capital Name
Mata-Utu (on Ile Uvea)
Capital - geographic coordinate
13 57 S, 171 56 W
Capital Time Difference
UTC+12 (17 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
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Economy

The economy of Wallis and Futuna remains limited and heavily reliant on traditional subsistence activities. Approximately 70-80% of the labor force derives its livelihood from subsistence agriculture (coconuts, taro, yams, bananas, and vegetables), livestock raising (predominantly pigs), and fishing. The public sector is a major formal employer, with government positions accounting for a significant share of wage employment on the islands.

Government revenues are derived primarily from French state subsidies, which form the backbone of the territory's budget, along with licensing fees paid by Japan and South Korea for access to the territory's fishing waters, import taxes, and remittances from Wallisians and Futunans working abroad, particularly in New Caledonia and metropolitan France. The territory continues to face economic challenges including a declining population due to outmigration, limited natural resources, and minimal private sector development. Tourism remains negligible due to the islands' remote location and limited infrastructure.

Snapshot

Currency Name and Code
CFP Franc (XPF)

Banknotes

Wallis and Futuna Money - Front
Wallis and Futuna Money - Front
Wallis and Futuna Money - Back
Wallis and Futuna Money - Back

Budget & Public Finance

Fiscal Year
calendar year
Annual Budget
$27,270,000 (USD)
Public Debt (% of GDP)
5.6%

Labor, Industry & Trade

Labor Force by Occupation
agriculture; livestock; and fishing 80%; government 4%
Industries
copra, handicrafts, fishing, lumber
Agriculture Products
breadfruit, yams, taro, bananas; pigs, goats
Export Commodities
copra, chemicals, construction materials
Export Partners
Italy 40%, Croatia 15%, US 14%, Denmark 13%
Import Commodities
chemicals, machinery, passenger ships, consumer goods
Import Partners
France 97%, Australia 2%, New Zealand 1%

Energy

Oil Production
0 bbl/day
Oil Consumption
0 bbl/day
Oil Reserves
0 bbl/day
Natural Gas Production
0 cu m
Natural Gas Consumption
0 cu m
Natural Gas Imports
0 cu m
Natural Gas Exports
0 cu m
Natural Gas Reserves
0 cu m

Communications

Telephone System
international: country code - 681
Internet Country Code
.wf

News & Weather

Current Weather

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Climate Overview

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

Videos

1 curated YouTube videos.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of Wallis and Futuna?
The population of Wallis and Futuna is approximately 15,343.
How do people greet each other in Wallis and Futuna?
Social interaction is shaped by respect for traditional authority, so acknowledging chiefs and kings with deference is important. Do: Show deep respect toward the traditional kings (lavelua on Uvea, tuigaifo or keletaona on Futuna) Learn a few words in Wallisian or Futunan, as language is a point of cultural pride French is the official administrative language, spoken alongside Wallisian and Futunan
What is dining like in Wallis and Futuna?
Food culture centers on locally grown and caught staples, often shared communally at feasts. Do: Expect taro, yams, breadfruit, and seafood as dietary staples Join communal feasts that mark life events and religious occasions Subsistence farming and fishing remain important to daily food supply
What social etiquette should travelers know in Wallis and Futuna?
Communal life and respect for chieftainship structure everyday social conduct, and Catholicism is woven into community life. Do: Respect the ceremonial authority of the three traditional kingdoms (Uvea, Alo, and Sigave) Observe the importance of Sunday religious observances, festivals, and processions Treat the Cathedral of Saint Joseph in Mata-Utu as a significant community landmark Nearly the entire population identifies as Roman Catholic
What arts and cultural activities are valued in Wallis and Futuna?
Traditional arts, music, and dance remain vibrant parts of community life. Do: Appreciate woven goods, tapa cloth made from beaten bark, and wood carving Enjoy traditional dance and songs performed in Wallisian and Futunan Crafts serve both functional and ceremonial purposes
What should travelers know before visiting Wallis and Futuna?
The territory spans three main islands — Wallis (Uvea), Futuna, and Alofi — each with distinct local identities and dialects within a shared Polynesian heritage. Traditional kingdoms hold ceremonial authority alongside the French territorial administration Many people of Wallisian and Futunan origin now live in New Caledonia and metropolitan France
What is the capital of Wallis and Futuna?
Mata-Utu is the capital of Wallis and Futuna, situated on the island of Ile Uvea (also called Wallis Island), the larger of the territory's two main island groups. It serves as the administrative and political center of this French overseas collectivity, housing the Territorial Assembly and the office of the French-appointed administrator. Mata-Utu is also home to the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, one of the most prominent landmarks in the entire territory.
Where is Wallis and Futuna located?
Wallis and Futuna is located in the central South Pacific Ocean, in the region of Oceania, roughly midway between Fiji and Samoa. The territory consists of two distinct island groups — Wallis (Uvea) and the Futuna Islands (including Alofi) — separated by approximately 150 miles of open ocean. It lies west of Samoa and sits just off the main travel corridor to Fiji, placing it among the more remote and least-visited corners of the Pacific.
What religion is practiced in Wallis and Futuna?
Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion of Wallis and Futuna, practiced by approximately 99 percent of the population. The Catholic faith was introduced by French missionaries in the 19th century and has since become deeply embedded in the social and cultural fabric of the islands. Churches remain central gathering points in communities, and religious observances play a significant role in daily life and local festivals across both island groups.
What currency is used in Wallis and Futuna?
The official currency of Wallis and Futuna is the CFP Franc, with the ISO code XPF. The CFP Franc is used across France's Pacific territories, including French Polynesia and New Caledonia, and is pegged to the euro at a fixed rate. Because Wallis and Futuna has a limited local economy with little tourism infrastructure, cash transactions dominate daily commerce, and banking services on the islands are minimal.
What languages are spoken in Wallis and Futuna?
French is the official administrative language of Wallis and Futuna, used in government, education, and formal contexts. Alongside it, indigenous Polynesian languages — principally Wallisian (Fakauvea) on Uvea and Futunan (Fakafutuna) on the Futuna Islands — are spoken as first languages in everyday life. These vernacular tongues are closely related to other West Polynesian languages such as Tongan and Samoan, reflecting the deep Polynesian heritage of the islanders.
What is the political status of Wallis and Futuna?
Wallis and Futuna is a French overseas collectivity, a status it has held since 1961 following a 1959 referendum in which inhabitants voted to affiliate formally with France. The territory is governed through a Territorial Assembly and a French-appointed administrator, while three traditional kings — one on Uvea and two on Futuna — retain significant customary authority alongside the official administrative structure. This dual system of modern French governance and traditional Polynesian chieftainship is distinctive even among France's Pacific territories.
What is the geography of Wallis and Futuna like?
Wallis and Futuna comprises two separate island groups with contrasting terrain. Uvea (Wallis) is a low-lying coral island surrounded by a reef-enclosed lagoon, while the Futuna Islands are rugged and volcanic, rising steeply from the sea with no fringing reef. The uninhabited island of Alofi accompanies Futuna but is separated from it by a narrow channel. The total land area of the territory is small, and the islands are subject to tropical cyclones during the Southern Hemisphere's wet season.
What is Wallis and Futuna known for?
Wallis and Futuna is known for its extraordinarily intact traditional Polynesian chiefly system, which coexists alongside French administration and gives the territory a social structure found almost nowhere else in the Pacific. The islands are also recognized for their vibrant hand-woven tapa cloth and intricate bark-cloth art, which carry deep ceremonial significance. Subsistence fishing and farming — particularly of taro and yams — underpin local life, and the territory's near-total absence of tourism has preserved both its cultural traditions and its pristine marine environments.

Last reviewed 2026

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