Niue

Niue is self-governing in free association with New Zealand. The country manages its own affairs, but New Zealand handles foreign affairs and defense as requested. Niue has a Legislative Assembly composed of 20 members; 14 are elected by their individual villages and 6 are elected by a common vote. Elections are held every three years. The Legislative Assembly elects a premier, who in turn selects three ministers. The premier and three ministers compose the cabinet.

Niue probably was first settled more than 1,000 years ago by Tongans and Samoans. In 1774 British explorer Captain James Cook became the first European to visit the island, which he named Savage Island for the hostile reception he received. In the mid-19th century, missionaries of the London Missionary Society converted the islanders to Christianity. Niueans petitioned Queen Victoria three times to place their island under the protection of the British Crown; they were successful in 1900. The following year, Niue was annexed by New Zealand as part of the Cook Islands. In 1904 it became a separate colony with its own administration. In preparation for self-government, the Legislative Assembly was established in 1960. On October 19, 1974, Niue became self-governing in free association with New Zealand.