FRENCH COLONIAL EMPIRES

French Polynesia, Clipperton, New Caledonia,
Wallis and Futuna, New Hebrides

The French presence in Oceania:

French Polynesia: Initially known as French Establishments in Oceania (1881), French Polynesia became an Overseas Territory in 1946.
Clipperton: The only French desert island in the North Pacific. Discovered in 1711 by French sailors, French sovereignty was recognised in 1931 by the International Court.
New Caledonia: A French colony from 1853 to 1946, it then became an Overseas Territory. It was used as a place for the deportation of Communards after the Paris Commune.
Wallis and Futuna: Protectorate from 1841 to 1961, these islands now hold the status of an Overseas Territory.
New Hebrides: The archipelago, placed under the joint influence of France and Great Britain, had a mixed administration (condominium) until 1980, the date of its independence with the name of Vanuatu.