Ouvéa Island Map

Description:

Ouvéa Island is a coral atoll situated in the Loyalty Islands Province in New Caledonia. The island stretches approximately 30 miles (48 kilometers) from north to south and is characterized by its stunning white sandy beaches, particularly along its western coast. The island's total land area encompasses about 51 square miles (132 square kilometers).

The island's population, primarily of Melanesian origin, numbers around 3,400 inhabitants. The main settlement is Fayaoué, located in the center of the island. The native language spoken on the island is Iaai, though French is also widely used. The economy of Ouvéa is largely based on subsistence agriculture, fishing, and small-scale tourism. Copra production from coconut palms has historically been an important economic activity for the islanders.

One of the island's most distinctive features is Lekiny Cliffs, which rise dramatically from the lagoon on the eastern coast. The lagoon itself, known as Ouvéa Lagoon, was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008 as part of New Caledonia's lagoons inscription. The lagoon is home to diverse marine life, including sea turtles, dugongs, and various species of tropical fish.

The island gained international attention in 1988 during what became known as the Ouvéa cave hostage taking crisis, a significant event in New Caledonia's independence movement. Today, Mouli Bridge, connecting Ouvéa to the small island of Mouli, serves as a popular tourist spot and offers excellent views of the lagoon. The island's airport, Ouvéa Airport, provides regular connections to Nouméa, New Caledonia's capital.