Islam in New Caledonia explained

Islam in New Caledonia is a minority faith, consisting of 2.6% of population or 6,357 people. The community is largely ethnic Javanese,^[1] and primarily speaks French, and Arabic or Indonesian, causing a linguistic gap between them and neighbouring Anglophone Muslim communities in Australia and Fiji.^[2] There is an Islamic centre in Nouméa, and another in Bourail catering to Algerian-Caledonians.^[3]

History

Among the first Muslims in New Caledonia were Algerian prisoners sent there in 1872,^[4] followed by Indonesian, Somali, and Arab labourers.^[5]

The Association des Musulmans de Nouvelle Caledonie (New Caledonia Muslim Association) was founded in 1975, superseding an earlier organisation.^[6]

Notes and References

1. Book: R. G. Crocombe. Asia in the Pacific Islands: Replacing the West. 24 August 2012. 2007. [e-mail]. 978-982-02-0388-4. 375–.
2. Book: Emiliana Afeaki. R. G. Crocombe. John McClaren. Religious cooperation in the Pacific Islands. 24 August 2012. 1983. University of the South Pacific.
3. Book: Globalization and the re-shaping of Christianity in the Pacific Islands. 24 August 2012. 2006. Pacific Theological College. 978-982-348-020-6.
4. Book: M. Alī Kettani. Muslim minorities in the world today. 24 August 2012. 1986. Mansell. 978-0-7201-1802-5.
5. Book: R. G. Crocombe. Asia in the Pacific Islands: Replacing the West. 24 August 2012. 2007. [e-mail]. 978-982-02-0388-4. 375–.
6. Book: Farzana Shaikh. Islam and Islamic groups: a worldwide reference guide. 24 August 2012. 1992. Longman Group UK. 978-0-582-09146-7.