I.

Introduction

Niue, self-governing island in free association with New Zealand, in the South Pacific Ocean. Niue is situated 460 km (290 mi) east of Tonga.

II.

Land and Resources

Niue is a raised coral island with a circumference of 60 km (40 mi) and an area of 260 sq km (100 sq mi). The island's perimeter consists of uneven cliffs that drop abruptly into the sea. The interior is marked by a plateau that rises 60 m (200 ft) above sea level. The plateau is surrounded by a lower level, with an average elevation of 30 m (90 ft). Niue is encircled by a broken fringing reef.

The climate is tropical and humid. The average annual temperature is 27° C (81° F) and annual rainfall is 7,700 mm (300 in). Niue is covered with forest and light vegetation. Because of a shallow and scanty soil cover, cultivation is difficult. Animal life is limited on the island, but fish are abundant in coastal waters.

III.

Population

The majority of Niue's residents are Polynesians, although a small number of Europeans, Samoans, and Tongans live there. The official languages are Niuean, a Polynesian language closely related to Tongan and Samoan, and English. Most people are literate in both languages. The population in 1995 was estimated at 2,000. About half the people live in and around the capital, Alofi, on the island's west side. Others live in villages scattered along a road that circles the island. Niue's population has been in decline since the 1980s, due to limited economic opportunities. Approximately 15,000 Niueans live abroad, mainly in New Zealand, and incentives for them to return have been unsuccessful. Niueans are citizens of both Niue and New Zealand.

Education in Niue is free for eight years of primary school and four years of secondary school, and is compulsory between the ages of 5 and 16. In 1998–1999 there were about 280 students attending primary school. Only a few Niuean students seek university degrees, which they must obtain abroad. About 75 percent of the people belong to the Niuean Church, a Protestant religion. There are several minority religions, including Mormonism and Roman Catholicism.

Housing and dress are modest and of Western style. Imported foods are part of the daily fare, and canned beverages are popular. Much of Niue's social life is centered around the churches. Sports are popular, and television has recently been introduced. One AM and one FM radio station broadcast from the island.

IV.

Economy

The official currency of Niue is the New Zealand dollar (NZ$1.50 equals U.S.$1; 2006 annual average). Most of Niue's budget is supplied by aid from New Zealand. Claiming the Niueans had ineffectively used the aid, however, New Zealand steadily decreased its funding from U.S.$5.5 million in 1991 to $1.9 million in 1994. The Niuean government is the largest employer. However, because of the drop in New Zealand funding, employment in the public service has dropped to 250 from a peak of 650. A few families have small businesses; others are engaged in agriculture. Remittances from Niueans living abroad remain a significant source of personal income.

The sale of postage stamps to foreign collectors is an important source of trade revenue. Niue has a very small tourist industry, with only a few hundred visitors each year. Exports include canned coconut cream, copra, honey, passion fruit, limes, and handicrafts. Agricultural production suffers occasional setbacks because of storms. New Zealand is Niue's chief trading partner; a small amount of trade is carried on with the Fiji Islands, Japan, Samoa (formerly Western Samoa), Australia, and the United States. In 1993 imports totaled about $1.9 million, while exports amounted to less than one-seventh that amount.

Transportation is a great barrier to both trade and tourism. There is no port in Niue and the only suitable anchorage lies off Alofi. Cargo is brought from New Zealand monthly. Weekly air service also connects Niue with New Zealand. There are 230 km (140 mi) of roads.

V.

Government

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.

VI.

History

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.