Population 279 070 inhabitants (2017) Ethnic groups Kanak 40.3%, European 29.2%, Wallisian, Futunian 8.7%, Tahitian 2%, Indonesian 1.6%, Vietnamese 1%, Ni-Vanuatu 0.9%, other 16.2% (2009) Religions Roman Catholic 60%, Protestant 30%, and other 10% GDP per capita $31 100 (2015) Area (land and water) 18 580 sq km EEZ (exclusive economic zone) 1 175 906 sq km Army New Caledonia does not have military forces and France provides defense assistance. Transnational issues France and Vanuatu claim Matthew and Hunter Islands, at the east of New Caledonia.