FACTS

Location: Oceania, islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand

Area (only Total) total: 274 sq km

Climate: tropical; hot, rainy season (November to April); cool, dry season (May to October); rains 2,500-3,000 mm per year (80% humidity); average temperature 26.6 degrees C

Terrain: volcanic origin; low hills

Population: 15,237 (July 2008 est.)

Main Language (only first): Wallisian 58.9% (indigenous Polynesian language)

Government type:

Capital (Name): Mata-Utu (on Ile Uvea)

Capital (Time Difference): UTC+12

Independence: none (overseas territory of France)

National holiday: Bastille Day, 14 July (1789)