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 1,400 mi (2,300 km) north of New Zealand and roughly 1,200 mi (2,000 km) 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 230 mi (370 km) to the east, Tonga is approximately 250 mi (400 km) to the south, Fiji is around 310 mi (500 km) to the southwest, while Tuvalu and Tokelau are located farther to the north and northeast.

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

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

The largest and most populated island is Wallis, home to the capital, Mata-Utu, and surrounded by a barrier reef and lagoon dotted with small islets (motu).

Futuna and the uninhabited island of Alofi lie about 140 mi (230 km) to the southwest of Wallis and are known for their dramatic volcanic landscapes and traditional villages.

Learn more about the islands in our guide, The Complete Travel Guide to Wallis (Uvea) LINK#D017 and The Complete Travel Guide to Futuna LINK#D035.

Note that Wallis and Futuna is a French overseas collectivity with its own traditional kingdoms, distinct from neighbouring independent Pacific nations such as Samoa and Tonga.

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

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

About 140 mi (230 km) to the southwest lie the islands of Futuna and Alofi. Futuna is mountainous and dramatic, with steep slopes rising sharply from the sea and small villages scattered along the narrow coastal strip. Alofi, just off Futuna’s coast, is uninhabited and known for its rugged beauty and lack of permanent freshwater sources.

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

Together, these islands offer a remote and unspoiled Polynesian landscape shaped by volcanic origins, coral reefs and strong traditional heritage.

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 LINK#TT064.

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, part of the broader Polynesian region. The islands are surrounded by coral reefs and pristine Pacific waters.

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.