Nestled in Polynesia and numbering over 170 islands, many uninhabited, the Kingdom of Tonga has a long history with Australia. With a population of around 107,000 people, Tonga’s unique constitutional monarchy is over 1000 years old. 

Every February and March, millions gather in Brazil to celebrate Carnival. Known as “The Greatest Show on Earth”, the iconic festival lights up the biggest country in Latin America. What is the history behind this important celebration in Brazil, how is it viewed by locals, and how is it an opportunity to increase their global influence? 

New South Wales is Australia’s largest and most populated state, with over 8 million people living there. Sharing borders with Queensland, the Australian Capital Territory, South Australia and Victoria, the state is known for its beaches, national parks and one of the world’s most famous and vibrant cities, Sydney.

The Dominican Republic is the second largest and most diverse Caribbean country, sharing a border with Haiti. The Turks and Caicos Islands are located 145 km to the north, with Colombia about 500 km to the south. Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, the Dominican Republic boasts 1,609 km of coastline, 402 km of pristine beaches, as well as beautiful mountain ranges. 

Queensland is Australia’s third most populated state, with almost 5.2 million people calling it home. Sharing borders with New South Wales, the Northern Territory and South Australia, Queensland is the most decentralised mainland state, with only 49% of the population living in the capital city. 

The city of Mackay, located on the east coast of Australia, is situated 930km north of Brisbane and marks the beginning of North Queensland. Known as the sugar capital of Australia, the area has a population of 125,000, with the cane industry being an important part of the local economy.

Nicaragua is situated in Central America, sharing borders with Costa Rica and Honduras.

Within Melanesia lies the Loyalty Islands of New Caledonia, situated around 190km east of Grande Terre. The trio of islands are known as Lifou, Maré and Ouvéa, or by their Indigenous names of Drehu, Nengone, Iaaï.

Venezuela is situated on the northern end of South America, sharing borders with Guyana, Brazil and Colombia.

El Salvador is situated in Central America, sharing borders with Honduras and Guatemala. It is the only country in Central America that does not have a Caribbean coast.

Colombia is situated in the northwestern part of South America and borders Panama, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru and Ecuador.

Uruguay is situated on the southeastern coast of South America, sharing borders with Brazil and Argentina.

They are the tiny volcanic islands located over 16,000 kilometres from France offering natural beauty combined with rich culture, all undiscovered by tourists.

Today, it is one of the richest areas in the Pacific region, but what is the history behind New Caledonia?