The official language of New Caledonia is French. As a French overseas territory, French is the primary language used in government, education, and media throughout the archipelago.

While French is the official language, there are also several indigenous languages spoken in New Caledonia. The three main indigenous languages are Kanak languages, which are part of the Oceanic language family. These languages are Drehu, Nengone, and Paicî, among others.

French colonization of New Caledonia began in the mid-19th century, and the French language was introduced as part of the colonial administration. Today, French is spoken by the majority of the population, particularly in urban areas and among the younger generation.

Despite the dominance of French, efforts are being made to preserve and promote the indigenous languages of New Caledonia. The Kanak languages are taught in schools and efforts are being made to revitalize and preserve these languages for future generations.

For more information on the official language of New Caledonia and the indigenous languages spoken in the archipelago, you can visit the official website of the Government of New Caledonia at https://gouv.nc. This website provides information on the history, culture, and languages of New Caledonia.

Overall, French is the official language of New Caledonia, but the archipelago is home to a rich linguistic diversity that includes indigenous languages spoken by the Kanak people. Efforts to preserve and promote these languages are ongoing, highlighting the importance of language and cultural diversity in New Caledonia.

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