This cosmopolitan French-Pacific capital of New Caledonia is a complete contrast to other cities in Oceania. Nouméa is one of the most rapidly growing cities in the region. With its mostly European population it is also a contrast to the rest of this French territory, populated by Melanesian inhabitants called Kanaks. This town has plenty French-style cafés, boutiques and very good bus transportation. Noumea feels like a seaside metropolis somewhere in Europe.