Legal System of Wallis and Futuna
Wallis and Futuna is located in Australia Oceania. It is geographically situated in oceania, islands in the south pacific ocean, about two-thirds of the way from hawaii to new zealand. The country achieved independence on none (overseas collectivity of france). The capital is Mata-Utu (on Ile Uvea).
Government Overview
Government Type: parliamentary democracy (Territorial Assembly); overseas collectivity of France Chief of State: President Emmanuel MACRON (since 14 May 2017); represented by Administrator Superior Jean-François de MANHEULLE (since 17 November 2025) Head of Government: President of the Territorial Assembly Munipoese MULI’AKA’AKA (since 20 March 2022) Cabinet: Council of the Territory appointed by the administrator superior on the advice of the Territorial Assembly Administrative Divisions: 3 administrative precincts (circonscriptions, singular - circonscription) Alo, Sigave, Uvea National Holiday: Fête de la Fédération, 14 July (1790) Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Legal System
The legal system of Wallis and Futuna is described as french civil law
Constitutional Framework
The constitution has the following history: 4 October 1958 (French Constitution) Amendment Process: French constitution amendment procedures apply
Judicial Branch
Highest Court(s): Court of Assizes or Cour d’Assizes (consists of 1 judge; court hears primarily serious criminal cases) Judge Selection: NA Subordinate Courts: courts of first instance; labor court
Legislative Branch
The legislative structure consists of unicameral Note: note: 1 senator is indirectly elected to the French Senate by an electoral college for a 6-year term, and 1 deputy is directly elected to the French National Assembly for a 5-year term
Citizenship and Suffrage
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Historical Background
Around 800 B.C., the first settlers arrived on the islands of Wallis and Futuna, which are a natural midpoint between Fiji and Samoa. Around A.D. 1500, Tongans invaded Wallis, and a chiefdom system resembling Tonga’s formal hierarchy developed on the island. Tongans attempted to settle Futuna but were repeatedly rebuffed.
This article provides a summary of the legal system and governmental structure of Wallis and Futuna based on the CIA World Factbook. The Factbook is a public domain publication of the United States Central Intelligence Agency.