History of Islam in New Caledonia
19th century origins: Islam was introduced by indentured laborers brought by the French colonial administration, primarily from:
- Algeria
- Morocco
- Indonesia (especially Java)
These workers were brought to New Caledonia to work in nickel mines and plantations, especially during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Algerian exiles: After various uprisings against French rule in Algeria, some Algerian rebels and nationalists were exiled to New Caledonia. Many stayed and formed small Muslim communities.
Muslim Community Today
Size: Estimates vary, but Muslims make up less than 1% of the population — likely around 2,000 to 3,000 people.
Ethnic Origins:
- North African (Algerians, Moroccans)
- Javanese Indonesians
- Some local converts
The community is small but visible, mostly concentrated around the capital, Nouméa.
Religious Life
There are a few mosques and prayer spaces. The main mosque is in Nouméa, serving as a religious and cultural center. There are small Islamic associations that help preserve Islamic culture, language, and practices, and provide community support. Friday prayers, Ramadan fasting, and Eid celebrations are observed among the Muslim population.
Interfaith & Social Integration
Islam is practiced peacefully, and Muslims generally live in harmony with the larger Christian-majority society. The government recognizes freedom of religion, and Muslims have the right to practice their faith. There are occasional cultural events and educational efforts to promote mutual understanding between religious groups.
Current Issues
Being a small minority, Muslims in New Caledonia sometimes face challenges related to:
- Religious visibility
- Preservation of identity
- Limited access to halal food or Islamic schools
However, there is no widespread persecution, and the general atmosphere is one of peaceful coexistence.
New Caledonia
Country Code Top-Level Domain: .nc
Country Code: +687