Wallis Islands

Wallis Islands, group of a main island and some 20 islets forming the northeastern part of the French overseas collectivity of Wallis and Futuna, in the west-central Pacific Ocean. The group is composed of the island of Uvea (not to be confused with Ouvéa Island in New Caledonia; also called Wallis Island) and its surrounding ring of coral islets. The earliest evidence of habitation on Uvea dates from at least 800 bce. The island was invaded by Tongans several times in its prehistory; the archaeological site of Talietumu, a fortified Tongan settlement, dates from about 1450 ce. The islands were visited in 1767 by the British navigator Capt. Samuel Wallis and were occupied by the French in 1842. They became a French protectorate in 1887 and part of the overseas territory (from 2007, overseas collectivity) of Wallis and Futuna following a referendum in 1959. In addition to their administration by the French-led Wallis and Futuna government (including a locally elected legislature), the islands are ruled by a king who exercises limited powers.

The reef islets are small and low. Uvea, however, is 30 miles (50 km) in circumference and rises to Mount Lulu Fakahega at 476 feet (145 metres). Its fertile volcanic soil and adequate precipitation support subsistence agriculture. The island has an international airport (Hihifo) in the north, a fairly extensive system of roads, and port facilities at Matâ’utu, the capital. Area, Uvea island, 29 square miles (76 square km). Pop. (2003) 10,071.