WALLIS AND FUTUNA
The Wallis and Futuna Islands is an overseas territory of France that lies in the south-western Pacific Ocean.
Futuna was first sighted by two Dutch navigators in 1617 and Wallis was visited 100 years later by the British explorer Samuel Wallis.
In 1837French Roman Catholic missions were established in the islands and the indigenous people were converted to Christianity. In 1842 the French declared a protectorate over Wallis and Futuna and in December 1959 the people voted overwhelmingly for French citizenship and status as an overseas territory, which was granted two years later.
The capital Mata’utu is also the most populated place of the territory.
GEOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE
The territory includes the island of Wallis (the most populated), the island of Futuna, the uninhabited island of Alofi and 20 uninhabited islets. This entire territory is divided two groups of volcanic islands, which are at a distance of about 250 km from each other. Whereas 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.
The territory lies to the west of Samoa and to the northeast of Fiji.
The country has a tropical climate with a hot, rainy season from November to April and a cool, dry season from May to October. April sees a season of hurricanes with torrential rains and higher temperatures.
ECONOMY AND CURRENCY
CFP Franc is the country’s monetary unit and the economy is limited to traditional subsistence agriculture, with about 80% of labor force earnings from agriculture (coconuts and vegetables), livestock (mostly pigs), and fishing. The sources of revenue consist of- French Government subsidies, licensing of fishing rights to Japan and South Korea, import taxes, and remittances from expatriate workers in New Caledonia.
PEOPLE, LANGUAGES AND CULTURE
According to the latest estimate the total population of the country is 13,484, out of which 68.4% resides on the island of Wallis, 31.6% on the island of Futuna. The larger part of the population consists of Polynesian ethnicity, with a small minority of Metropolitan French descent and/or native-born whites of French descent. A very large number of Wallisians and Futunans live in New Caledonia.
Religion dominates the life of the people and Catholicism is the predominant religion on both islands for over 160 years. The churches are built and maintained by the village community and are the Bishop of Wallis and Futuna is a leading authority figure and still plays an important role in island politics.
Major art form for Wallisian and Futunan women are designs on siapo and tapa, and participation in the Pacific Arts Festivals is a high point of community involvement. There is no proper development of literature except for a few attempts to record myths and legends, or history locally.
For everyday use the indigenous Polynesian languages-Wallisian and Futunan French is the official language of the country and is used in everyday life as well.
HOW TO REACH
Air
The only airline that flies to Wallis and Futuna is Aircalin. Aircalin has flights from Noumea and Nadi and Futuna is accessible on a commuter flight from Wallis. Uvea and Futuna each have an airport from where you can take a taxi or bus to reach the city.
Water
The country has two ports Mata-Utu, located on Uvea and Leava (Sigave) on Futuna but there are no regular ferries or cruise ships docking there. Despite its welcoming lagoon, Yachts are not inclined to visit Wallis that often and since there is not much room around the Mata'Utu wharf, yachts are encouraged to moor near the petroleum wharf at Halalo in the south of Wallis.
TRAVEL DESTINATIONS AND ACTIVITIES
The country offers its tourists a quiet and unassuming territory to relax in, in the backdrop of crater lakes, lagoon islands, low hills, fringing reefs, and beach palm trees while experiencing the charms of French Polynesian culture. While visiting the country you are bound to be delighted by the profusion of cultures and traditions, and the sheer friendliness of the Polynesian people, however, very little English is used in the country, so be ready to take some basic lessons in French before you go.
Explore the island of Wallis which is dotted, Eden-like lagoon where each islet offers a new experience and you can also experience a fascinating, traditional culture in the midst of change, some crater lakes and extensive archaeological sites still waiting to be excavated, and you'll find it easy to become enamored of this unusual place. The lagoons around some of the uninhabited islands in Wallis like Faioa, Nukuhifala, and Nukuhione offer some of the best swimming and picnicking spots and water activities like kayaking, canoeing, sport-fishing, diving, snorkeling, sailing, surfing, etc. are all also possible.
There is an archaeological site on Wallis, Talietumu, which features the fortified ruins of a Tongan settlement dating back to the 15th century. Another archaeological site on Wallis is the Tonga Toto archaeological site, which dates from the 15th century and houses the remains of a Tongan fortress that once overlooked the sea.
The landscape of Wallis is spectacular. Walk up from Mata-Utu from where a road leads up to the summit to Mount Lulu Fakahenga and from there you can descend again on foot towards the sea by taking one of the tracks that start at the summit.
Visit the oldest church of the island, St. Joseph’s church, located in Mala'efo'ou village, which is 5 miles south of Mata’Utu. The interior of the church has frescoes of fish and shells, recalling the designs seen on tapas (local, traditional fabrics). Two other monuments to see in Mata’Utu are the Notre Dame Cathedral, whose interior is particularly airy and light, along with the Palace of the King, an elegant colonial residence surrounded by a park.
With sumptuous jungles, sparkling beaches and a very intact traditional culture, the sweet, flower-scented Futuna is a remarkable tourist destination.
Leava, Futuna's major centre, on the south coast has everything of note that there is in the country. Among other things Leava has a couple of supermarkets, the island's administrative headquarters (there's even a library), and a wharf and it's all along one road so you can't get lost.
If you are looking for some hard core adventure, walk up to Futuna's highest point, Mount Puke (1,719 ft) and as no roads lead to this point you must go on foot, leaving from the Vaisei road. However do not attempt this walk without a guide as there are numerous paths and you can easily get lost.
Alofi is a piece of paradise with its tropical forest and beach and it is separated from Futuna by a strait less than 2km wide. Although the island is uninhabited, but its beach is absolutely splendid and offers great swimming opportunities.
At downtown capital Mata Utu the local cathedral is surrounded by restaurants, shopping, hotels and the King's Palace.
Explore the country’s remarkable flora and fauna- observe a number of bird species such as terns, gannets (related to the tropical booby), and frigates (birds-of-prey which often steal the catch of other seabirds, or eat eggs, chicks, and young turtles). At the lagoons off Wallis and Alofi there are multi-colored fish (such as the clown), and one can even spot rays (related to the skate, shark and chimaera), tortoises and dolphins. There is a deep-sea diving club called "Te U Hauhaulele" that organizes outings to explore the riches of these lagoons.
Other than tourist attractions visitors can find great restaurants, hotels, and shops in Wallis and Futuna, including fine French cuisine and modern shopping venues like the Uvea Shopping Center. If you get the chance be sure to join the ceremonial kava drinking that is customary among the locals.
GETTING AROUND
Road
Since there is no public transport on either of the islands, if you want to get anywhere by road, you have to rent a car. In Futuna you will not need a driving permit or have to consider any insurance issues but on Wallis things are more professional. Driving is on the right-hand side and there are no enforced rules of the road.
WHERE TO STAY
There are very limited accommodations at the islands since there are simply not enough visitors to warrant much tourist structure; there are only four hotels there are four hotels with a total of twenty six rooms in all.
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