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Settled by both Britain and France during the first half of the 19th century, the island was made a French possession in 1853. It served as a penal colony for four decades after 1864. Agitation for independence during the 1980s and early 1990s seems to have dissipated.
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Country
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Surface Area: 19,060 square km
Population: 207,858 (July 2002 est.)
Located in: Oceania, islands in the South Pacific Ocean
Capital City: Noumea
Head of State: Jacques CHIRAC, represented by High Commissioner Thierry LATASTE
Prime Minister: President of the Government Pierre FROGIER
Independent since: none (overseas territory of France)
Currency: Comptoirs Francais du Pacifique franc (XPF)
Flag (image): 
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