Nouméa, also Numea, city in New Caledonia, an overseas territory of France, on the island of New Caledonia, in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. Located on the protected harbor in the southwestern part of the island, it is the territory's capital, chief port, and principal administrative and economic center. Nickel-ore mining and refining and tourism are important to the city's economy. The National Conservatory of Arts and Crafts (1971) and the Bernheim Library are here. Nouméa was annexed by France in 1853 and was a French penal colony from 1864 to 1897. The city developed rapidly after it became the site of a U.S. air base during World War II. Population (1989) 65,110.Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2001
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