) | a group of coral islands in the S Pacific belonging to the French territory of New Caledonia. 17,900; 761 sq. mi. (1970 sq. km). |
Loy·al·ty Islands  (loi'əl-tē)  A group of coral islands of the southwest Pacific Ocean northwest of New Caledonia, of which they are an administrative division. |
Loyalty Islands
limestone coral group in the French overseas country of New Caledonia, southwestern Pacific Ocean. The group comprises the low-lying islands of Ouvea, Lifou, and Mare; the highest point is at 453 feet (138 metres), on Mare Island. The islands were inhabited by Melanesians more than 3,000 years ago. Sighted by Europeans early in the 19th century, the islands became a focus of Anglo-French conflict. They were annexed by France in 1853 and attached administratively to New Caledonia in 1946. Yams, taro, bananas, and coconuts are grown, with copra the chief export. The Loyalty Islanders, who are Melanesian, speak several languages. Area 765 square miles (1,981 square km). Pop. (2004) 22,080.
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