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Wallis and Futuna Islands, overseas territory of France, in the south-western Pacific Ocean. The territory consists of two groups of volcanic islands 200 km (125 mi) apart. Total area, 274 sq km (106 sq mi). 

The Wallis Archipelago comprises a main island and some 20 smaller islands and islets. The main island, Wallis (Uvéa), is hilly and dotted with numerous lake-filled craters surrounded by steep cliffs. 

The Futuna Archipelago consists of two mountainous islands, Futuna (Hooru) and Alofi. On Futuna the land rises steeply from a narrow coastal plain to an extreme elevation of 875 m (2,870 ft). The coasts of Alofi are fringed by wide reefs; the highest summit here is 401 m (1,320 ft).

The climate is tropical, but moderated by ocean breezes. From October to April the weather is cool and dry with temperatures ranging between 20° and 25° C (68° and 77° F). A season of hurricanes with torrential rains and higher temperatures begins in April.

The capital of the territory is Matâ' utu on Wallis Island; the total population (2000 estimate) is 15,283.

Except for cattle, sheep, and goats introduced by the administration, the only indigenous animals are snakes, lizards, and pigeons. Coconut palms and breadfruit, mango, and orange trees are grown on the coasts, and the hills are densely forested.

The territory has an administrator, appointed by the French government and a 20-member territorial assembly, popularly elected for a 5-year term. The people, who enjoy all the rights and privileges of French citizenship, also elect one deputy and one senator to the French National Assembly.

Wallis offers a variety of activities ranging from traditional ceremonies to modern water sports. Tradition is important in the islands of the Pacific. Polynesian songs and dances are ever present in religious or traditional ceremonies, as in the local beverage, kava (piper mehtysticum), made from roots. The effects are very relaxing and kava many medicinal properties.
Please remember that it is important to ask permission from the local chief before taking photographs, by offering small gifts such as cigarettes etc... 

In Wallis, sports include fishing, deep-sea diving, water skiing and wind surfing, but not surfing. Many other sports are also available, namely mountain biking, horseback riding, tennis, soccer and rugby as well as rides in Ultra Lights for anyone wishing to take photographs from the air.

Cricket comes into fashion again as you can see on the image (Wallisians playing in front of the "Palais Royal"). Diving club "TE U HAUHAULELE" (flying fish in wallisian) and their 55 members will help you discover the lagoon.

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