Where is Wallis & Futuna Located?

Wallis and Futuna is located in the Oceania region of the Southern Hemisphere.

This French overseas collectivity lies in the South Pacific Ocean between Fiji and Samoa. It is positioned about 2,300 km (1,400 mi) north of New Zealand and roughly 2,000 km (1,200 mi) northeast of Fiji.

Wallis and Futuna sit approximately 13° south of the Equator, firmly within the tropical South Pacific.

The South Pacific Islands Near Wallis and Futuna

Wallis and Futuna are surrounded by several other Polynesian island nations and territories. Samoa lies about 370 km (230 mi) to the east, Tonga is approximately 400 km (250 mi) to the south, Fiji is around 500 km (310 mi) to the southwest, while Tuvalu and Tokelau are located farther to the north and northeast.

Wallis and Futuna covers a land area of approximately 142 km² (55 mi²).

It consists of three main volcanic islands: Wallis (also known as Uvea), Futuna and Alofi.

The largest, but only by a fraction, and most populated island is Wallis, home to the capital, Mata'Utu. The land area of Wallis is approximately 96 km² (37 mi²).

Futuna and the uninhabited island of Alofi, also referred to as the Horne Islands, lie about 230 km (140 mi) to the southwest of Wallis. The land area of Futuna is 83 km² (32 mi²) and the area of Alofi is 35 km² (13.5 mi²).

Learn more about the islands in our guide, The Complete Travel Guide to Wallis (Uvea) and The Complete Travel Guide to Futuna.

Wallis and Futuna is made up of three rugged volcanic islands, characterised by mountainous terrain, lush vegetation and coastal plains fringed by reefs.

Wallis is home to the capital Mata'Utu and is surrounded by a vast lagoon protected by a barrier reef dotted with small islets (locally known as motu). The island’s interior features gentle hills and crater lakes formed by ancient volcanic activity.

The most famous geological formation is Lake Lalolalo, which is around 80 m (262 ft) deep and stretches 450 m (1,476 ft) across.

About 230 km (140 mi) to the southwest lie the islands of Futuna and Alofi. Futuna is mountainous and dramatic, with steep slopes rising sharply from the sea and a reef plateau that drops dramatically into the Pacific Ocean.

Alofi, just off Futuna’s coast, is uninhabited (or inhabited by one man, as locals like to say) and known for its rugged beauty and lack of permanent freshwater sources.

The highest peak in the territory is Mt Puke on Futuna, reaching approximately 520 m (1,706 ft).

Together, these islands offer a remote and unspoiled Pacific landscape shaped by volcanic origins and coral reefs.

Now that you know about where Wallis and Futuna is located in the Pacific, here are the answers to the internet's frequently asked questions about the location of this French collectivity!

Where is Wallis and Futuna located?

Wallis and Futuna is located in the South Pacific Ocean, approximately 2,300 km (1,430 mi) northeast of New Zealand and 1,100 km (680 mi) west of Samoa. This French collectivity consists of three main islands scattered across the vast Pacific. For more information, check out The Complete Travel Guide to Wallis & Futuna.

Is Wallis and Futuna part of France?

Yes, Wallis and Futuna is an overseas collectivity of France, which means it has a special status within the French Republic whilst maintaining some degree of autonomy. The islands have been under French administration since 1961.

What ocean is Wallis and Futuna in?

Wallis and Futuna is situated in the South Pacific Ocean.

What are the three main islands of Wallis and Futuna?

The three main islands are Wallis (also known as Uvea), Futuna, and Alofi. Wallis is the largest and most populated, whilst Futuna and Alofi form the Horn Islands group, located about 230 km (140 mi) southwest of Wallis.

Which country is closest to Wallis and Futuna?

The closest countries to Wallis and Futuna are Samoa to the east, Fiji to the southwest, and Tonga to the southeast. Samoa is the nearest, being approximately 1,100 km (680 mi) away from the islands.