where is new caledonia

New Caledonia is a French unique collectivity located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, about 900 to 1,210 kilometers (approximately 560 to 750 miles) east of Australia. It consists of a main island called Grande Terre, which is the largest and mountainous island, as well as smaller island groups including the Loyalty Islands, the Belep Islands, and the Isle of Pines. The capital city is Nouméa, situated on the southwest coast of Grande Terre. New Caledonia lies between latitudes 18° and 23° South and longitudes 163° and 169° East, and it is part of the Melanesian subregion of the Pacific. The territory is known for its long barrier reef, diverse ecosystems, and significant mineral resources like nickel.