New Caledonia citizens vote to remain part of France on November 4, 2018. (Photo: AFP)

The referendum was the result of a process that began 30 years ago to end years of violence between supporters and opponents of separating from France.

French President Emmanuel Macron said he is proud that the majority of Caledonians chose France, which shows their trusting and support for the values and future of France.

New Caledonia is one of the UN’s 17 “non-self governing territories”, where the process of decolonization has not been completed. It receives 1.3 billion euros from the French government every year.