People in New Caledonia have narrowly rejected independence from France in a referendum.

The archipelago voted to remain French with 53.26% of votes, according to final results reported by AFP news agency.

In a similar vote two years ago, the margin was slightly wider, with 56.7% voting to stay French.

New Caledonia has been a French territory for nearly 170 years.

French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the result as a "sign of confidence in the republic", adding he also felt "humility" in view of the results.

[Source: BBC]