History
The Dutch discovered Futuna at the beginning of the seventeenth century.

The British did not arrive in Wallis until the 1760s.

France declared a protectorate over Wallis and Futuna in the 1840s, increasing its control in the 1880s.

The islands officially became a French Colony in 1924.

Wallis and Futuna Islanders voted to become a French Overseas Territory in 1959.

Economy
The French government provides subsidies to Wallis and Futuna.

Fishing licences, sold to Japan and South Korea, also provide revenue.

Subsistence farming and fishing are traditional occupations in the islands.

Agricultural produce are yams, taro, breadfruit, coconuts and bananas. Pigs and goats are reared.

Industries include copra, handmade goods and lumber.

A number of the islanders work in New Caledonia. Remittances sent home to Wallis and Futuna make an important contribution to the economy. (2011)

Arts
Wallis and Futuna are part of Polynesia.

Traditional Polynesian music and dance takes place at festivals and on special occasions.

Crafts in include woven mats and tapa products. Tapa, often decorated, is cloth made from beaten tree bark.

Sport
Team sports played in Wallis and Futuna include football and rugby.

Water sports include swimming in lagoons and sailing.

Holidays
All religious holidays are celebrated.

As a French territory Wallis and Futuna celebrates Bastille Day on 14 July (1789).

News
News from Oceania is available from Newslink.

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