New Caledonia votes for the independence of France | TIME ONLINE

In the French overseas territory of New Caledonia, a referendum on the independence of la France start. Nearly 175,000 voters can vote for "the full sovereignty and independence" of the region. Surveys suggest that 60 to 69 percent of voters should maintain the status quo.

Opponents of independence point to France's financial support – around 1.3 billion euros a year. They fear the economic disadvantages if the links with France were cut. Advocates of independence exist mainly among the Kanak, who represent about 40% of the population. About 27% of the inhabitants are of European origin. The rest of the population comes from Asian countries or other Pacific islands.

Thirty years ago, there were violent conflicts over the issue of independence. When taking hostages on the island of Ouvéa in 1987, members of an independence movement captured some thirty gendarmes. In a referendum in 1987, 98% voted to stay in France. However, the vote was boycotted by the Kanak independence movement. The 1998 Nouméa agreement should lead to an agreement on the conflict. The treaty provides for two more by 2022 after Sunday's referendum if voters vote against independence.

The archipelago rests entirely on France in the fields of defense, law enforcement, foreign affairs, justice and education, but also enjoys a large degree of autonomy. New Caledonia is represented by two members of the French National Assembly and is considered as a territory badociated with the European Union. The inhabitants are allowed to vote in the European elections. The currency is not the euro, but the pacific franc.

The islands are located about 1,200 kilometers east of Australia in the southwestern Pacific. The region, which today has about 270,000 inhabitants, was taken over by France in 1853. New Caledonia owns about a quarter of the world's nickel resources. Nickel is an important raw material in the manufacture of electronic devices.

The region is also of geostrategic importance: detractors of independence warn that China could increase its influence in the region when France withdraws.