A group of islands in Melanesia constituting a French overseas territory. The group includes New Caledonia (the main island), Ile des Pins, Loyalty Island, and several other islet groups. The capital is Noumea. It was discovered by Captain Cook in 1774 and visited by various navigators, explorers, and traders from 1792 to 1840. Occupied by the French in 1853, it was set up as a penal colony 1864-94. In 1946 it was made a French overseas territory. It was named by Captain Cook with the 5th and 6th century A.D. Latin name for Scotland, Caledonia. (From Webster's New Geographical Dictionary, 1988, p830 & Room, Brewer's Dictionary of Names, 1992, p375)
    

concept

A woman from New Caledonia encountered by Captain Cook on his second voyage, 1772-1775. Engraving by J. Hall, 1777, after W. Hodges.

A couple walking along a beach, representing a safer sex advertisement by the Pacific Islands AIDS and STD Prevention Programme (PIASPP). Colour lithograph by Jipé Le Bars and Martial Dosdane, 1992.

Message in numerous languages of the Pacific Islands that AIDS and HIV does not respect tradition culture or religion; advertisement by the Pacific Islands AIDS and STD Prevention Programme. Colour lithograph, 1995.

Two Fijian couples sitting chatting among trees with a backdrop of a bamboo fence and message about community committment to prevent AIDS; advertisement by the Pacific Islands AIDS and STD Prevention Programme (PIASPP). Colour lithograph by Jipé Le Bars and Martial Dosdane, 1992.

Numerous children's faces with a message about AIDS related orphans in the Pacific; advertisement by the Pacific Islands AIDS and STD Prevention Programme (PIASPP). Colour lithograph by André Passa, 1993.

Sertum Austro-caledonicum / auctore J.-J. La Billardière.

An island in New Caledonia and some of its inhabitants, visited by Cook on his second voyage, 1772-1775. Engraving by W. Byrne, 1777, after W. Hodges.

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New Caledonia

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Sertum Austro-caledonicum / auctore J.-J. La Billardière.

An island in New Caledonia and some of its inhabitants, visited by Cook on his second voyage, 1772-1775. Engraving by W. Byrne, 1777, after W. Hodges.

Two Fijian couples sitting chatting among trees with a backdrop of a bamboo fence and message about community committment to prevent AIDS; advertisement by the Pacific Islands AIDS and STD Prevention Programme (PIASPP). Colour lithograph by Jipé Le Bars and Martial Dosdane, 1992.

A couple walking along a beach, representing a safer sex advertisement by the Pacific Islands AIDS and STD Prevention Programme (PIASPP). Colour lithograph by Jipé Le Bars and Martial Dosdane, 1992.

Numerous children's faces with a message about AIDS related orphans in the Pacific; advertisement by the Pacific Islands AIDS and STD Prevention Programme (PIASPP). Colour lithograph by André Passa, 1993.