Wallis and Futuna
Polynesia · territory
Wallis and Futuna is a territory in Polynesia, home to 11,500 people, with an area of 142 km². Its capital is Mata-Utu.
- Capital
- Mata-Utu
- Population
- 11,500
- Area
- 142 km²
- Region
- Polynesia
- Density
- 81.0 / km²
- Status
- Dependency or territory
Population: UN World Population Prospects, 2024 revision. Area: CIA World Factbook.
What Wallis and Futuna is known for
Wallis and Futuna is best known for Mata, Lake Lalolalo and The lagoon of Wallis.
Wallis and Futuna is a French overseas collectivity located in the South Pacific Ocean. The territory consists of three main volcanic tropical islands and several smaller islets.
Wallis and Futuna at a glance
- Language
- French and Wallisian (Uvean) are the official languages, with Futunan and other Polynesian languages also spoken
- Currency
- CFP franc (XPF)
- Religion
- Roman Catholicism is the predominant religion in Wallis and Futuna, with a small number of Protestants and members of other religions
- National dish
- There is no official national dish, but seafood and tropical fruits are staples of the local cuisine
- Climate
- Wallis and Futuna has a tropical climate with two seasons, a hot and rainy season from November to April, and a cooler and drier season from May to October
- Main industries
- Agriculture (mainly subsistence), fishing, handicrafts, and small-scale industry
- GDP
- $188 million (2019 estimate)
- Development
- Wallis and Futuna is considered one of the least developed French territories, with a human development index (HDI) ranking of 177 out of 189 countries (2020)
Things to do in Wallis and Futuna
Some of the main attractions in Wallis and Futuna include:
- Mata Utu Cathedral: a historic cathedral located in the capital city of Mata-Utu.
- Lake Lalolalo a volcanic crater lake located on the island of Wallis, known for its scenic beauty.
- The lagoon of Wallis a large lagoon surrounding the island of Wallis, known for its crystal clear waters and diverse marine life.
- Talietumu an ancient fortified village located on the island of Wallis, now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- The Bay of Alofi a beautiful bay located on the island of Futuna, known for its stunning scenery and pristine beaches.
- The Cave of Hoia a natural cave located on the island of Futuna, known for its unique rock formations and stalactites.
Wallis and Futuna on video
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Wallis and Futuna compared with its neighbours
How it sits against the other countries of Polynesia.
| Country | Population | Area | Capital |
|---|---|---|---|
 Samoa | 220,000 | 2,842 km² | Apia |
 Tonga | 105,000 | 747 km² | Nuku'alofa |
| Wallis and Futuna | 11,500 | 142 km² | Mata-Utu |
 Tuvalu | 9,800 | 26 km² | Funafuti |
Questions about Wallis and Futuna
What is the capital of Wallis and Futuna?
The capital of Wallis and Futuna is Mata-Utu.
How many people live in Wallis and Futuna?
About 11,500 people.
How big is Wallis and Futuna?
Wallis and Futuna covers 142 km², in Polynesia.
What is Wallis and Futuna known for?
Wallis and Futuna is best known for Mata, Lake Lalolalo and The lagoon of Wallis.
What language is spoken in Wallis and Futuna?
French and Wallisian (Uvean) are the official languages, with Futunan and other Polynesian languages also spoken.
What currency is used in Wallis and Futuna?
CFP franc (XPF).
Is Wallis and Futuna a country?
Wallis and Futuna is a dependency or overseas territory rather than a sovereign state, so it appears only when territories are switched on in the generator.