The education system in New Caledonia still mirrors that of the French colonial power, and is compulsory and free from age 6 to 16. Primary schooling lasts for 5 years, during which time pupils will have obtained a firm foundation for their further education.
The Pacific island of New Caledonia is a nature lover’s paradise. Punching above its weight, the island lays claims to impressive natural features including the largest lagoon in the world, a unique blend of flora and fauna, and a 1800km-long (1118 mile) coral reef, second only in size to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.
New Caledonia has a special status of sui generis collectivity of France. It is located in the subregion of Melanesia in the southwest Pacific.