Kanak people
The earliest history of Europeans arriving on these islands is when Captain Cook of the United Kingdom landed in these islands in 1775 at a time when there were reportedly 70,000 Kanaks living in the archipelago. Cook gave the name "New Caledonia" to these islands, after Caledonia, his Scottish highlands.
History of the Jews in New Caledonia
The history of the Jews in New Caledonia dates back to 1987, when the Jewish community was first established. The Jewish community numbers around 50 people, most of whom are located in Nouméa. In Nouméa there is a synagogue and a Jewish community center, the Association Culturelle Israelite de Nouvelle Caledonie. Almost all of the Jews in New Caledonia are Sephardi Jews of French descent. Most work in business and state government.