Wallis and Futuna

The Collectivity of Wallis and Futuna (French: Wallis et Futuna or Wallis-et-Futuna or Collectivité de Wallis et Futuna) is a group of mainly three volcanic tropical islands (Wallis (Uvea), Futuna, and Alofi) with fringing reefs located in the South Pacific Ocean between Fiji and Samoa.

Politics

:See also Politics of Wallis and Futuna

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The territory is divided into three traditional chiefdoms (royaumes coutumiers): Uvea (on the island of Wallis), Sigave (on the western part of the island of Futuna), and Alo (on the island of Alofi and on the eastern part of the island of Futuna). Uvea is further subdivided into three districts: Hanake, Hihifo, and Mua. The capital of the territory is Matâ'Utu on the island of Wallis (the most populated island). As a territory of France, it is governed under the French constitution of September 28, 1958, uses the French legal system, and suffrage is universal for those over 18 years of age. The French president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; the high administrator is appointed by the French president on the advice of the French Ministry of the Interior; the presidents of the Territorial Government and the Territorial Assembly are elected by the members of the assembly.

Related Topics:
Royaumes coutumiers - Uvea - Sigave - Alo - Hanake - Hihifo - Mua - Matâ'Utu - French constitution - September 28 - 1958 - French legal system - French Ministry of the Interior

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The head of state is President Jacques Chirac of France as represented by High Administrator Xavier de Furst (since January 18, 2005). The head of government is President of the Territorial Assembly Patalione Kanimoa (since January 2001. The Council of the Territory consists of three kings (kings of the three traditional chiefdoms) and three members appointed by the high administrator on the advice of the Territorial Assembly.

Related Topics:
Jacques Chirac - Xavier de Furst - January 18 - 2005 - Patalione Kanimoa - January 2001

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The legislative branch consists of the unicameral Territorial Assembly or Assemblée territoriale of 20 seats; the members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms. Wallis and Futuna elects one senator to the French Senate and one deputy to the French National Assembly.

Related Topics:
Assemblée territoriale - French Senate - French National Assembly

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Justice is generally administered under French law by a tribunal of first instance in Matâ'Utu, but the three traditional chiefdoms administer justice according to customary law (only for non-criminal cases). The court of appeal is in Nouméa, New Caledonia.

Related Topics:
French law - Customary law - Nouméa

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The territory participates in the Franc Zone, and Secretariat of the Pacific Community.

Related Topics:
Franc Zone - Secretariat of the Pacific Community

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