The year  left Kanaky New Caledonia in a worrying situation, with an economic crisis linked to the pandemic, rising debt, and the coun- try’s  budget not being approved and a yes/no referendum that placed two camps in an almost equal face- off. Turnout in the  referendum was overwhelming at . percent, and out of , registered voters, . percent voted no to indepen- dence and . percent voted yes (High Commission of the French Republic in New Caledonia ). Adding to these troubles, as  began, the tension around the sale of Vale’s Southern nickel processing plant became increasingly violent. However, the country showed resil- ience. In March, an agreement was reached on the Southern plant, ending roadblocks and demonstrations across New Caledonia. Despite the COVID- -linked bereavements, the country’s health-care system held up well against the disease, and good progress was made with vaccination. Further, all institutions (Congress, customary Senate, and government) were renewed to the advantage of the pro- independence parties. ...