LOYALTY ISLANDS

French les Loyaut, limestone coral group in the French overseas territory of New Caledonia, southwestern Pacific Ocean. Comprising the islands of Ouva, Lifou, and Mar (qq.v.), the group has a total area of 761 square miles (1,970 square km) and nowhere rises higher than 300 feet (90 m). The islands were sighted by Europeans early in the 19th century and were long a focus of Anglo-French conflict. Annexed by France in 1853, they were attached administratively to New Caledonia in 1946. Yams, taro, bananas, and coconuts are grown, with copra as the chief export. The Loyalty islanders, who are Melanesian, speak several languages. Pop. (1989 prelim.) 17,912.