Niue
Introduction
Background
Niue's remoteness, as well as cultural and linguistic differences between its Polynesian inhabitants and those of the adjacent Cook Islands, has caused it to be separately administered by New Zealand. The population of the island has trended downwards over recent decades (from a peak of 5,200 in 1966 to 1,618 in 2017) with substantial emigration to New Zealand 2,400 km to the southwest.
Geography
Location
Oceania, island in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Tonga
Geographic coordinates
19 02 S, 169 52 W
Map references
Oceania
Area
total: 260 sq km
land: 260 sq km
water: 0 sq km
country comparison to the world: 213
Area - comparative
1.5 times the size of Washington, DC
Land boundaries
0 km
Coastline
64 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 12nm
exclusive economic zone: 200nm
Climate
tropical; modified by southeast trade winds
Terrain
steep limestone cliffs along coast, central plateau
Elevation
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed elevation 1.4 km east of Hikutavake 80 m
Natural resources
arable land, fish
Land use
agricultural land: 19.1% (2011 est.)
arable land: 3.8% (2011 est.)/permanent crops: 11.5% (2011 est.)/permanent pasture: 3.8% (2011 est.)
forest: 71.2% (2011 est.)
other: 9.7% (2011 est.)
Irrigated land
0 sq km (2012)
Population distribution
population distributed around the peripheral coastal areas of the island
Natural hazards
tropical cyclones
Environment - current issues
increasing attention to conservationist practices to counter loss of soil fertility from traditional slash and burn agriculture
Environment - international agreements
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection
Geography - note
one of world's largest coral islands; the only major break in the surrounding coral reef occurs in the central western part of the coast
People and Society
Population
1,618(July 2017 est.)
note: because of the island's limited economic and educational opportunities, Niueans have emigrated for decades - primarily to New Zealand, but also to Australia and other Pacific island states; Niue's population peaked in 1966 at 5,194, but by 2005 had fallen to 1,508; since then it has rebounded slightly; as of 2013, 23,883 people of Niuean ancestry lived in New Zealand - with more than 20% Niue-born; this means that there are about 15 times as many persons of Niuean living in New Zealand as in Niue, possibly the most eccentric population distribution in the world
country comparison to the world: 233
Nationality
noun: Niuean(s)
adjective: Niuean
Ethnic groups
Niuean 66.5%, part-Niuean 13.4%, non-Niuean 20.1% (includes 12% European and Asian and 8% other Pacific Islanders) (2011 est.)
Languages
Niuean (official) 46% (a Polynesian language closely related to Tongan and Samoan), Niuean and English 32%, English (official) 11%, Niuean and others 5%, other 6% (2011 est.)
Religions
Ekalesia Niue (Congregational Christian Church of Niue - a Protestant church founded by missionaries from the London Missionary Society) 67%, other Protestant 3% (includes Seventh Day Adventist 1%, Presbyterian 1%, and Methodist 1%), Mormon 10%, Roman Catholic 10%, Jehovah's Witnesses 2%, other 6%, none 2% (2011 est.)
Population growth rate
-0.03% (2014 est.)
country comparison to the world: 199
Population distribution
population distributed around the peripheral coastal areas of the island
Urbanization
urban population: 45.5% of total population(2019)
rate of urbanization: 1.69% annual rate of change(2015-20 est.)
Major urban areas - population
1,000 ALOFI (capital) (2018)
Sex ratio
NA
Infant mortality rate
total: NA (2018)
male: NA
female: NA
Life expectancy at birth
total population: NA (2017 est.)
male: NA
female: NA
Total fertility rate
NA
Drinking water source
improved: urban: 98.4% of population
rural: 98.6% of population
total: 98.5% of population
unimproved: urban: 1.6% of population
rural: 1.4% of population
total: 1.5% of population (2015 est.)
Current Health Expenditure
6.3% (2015)
Sanitation facility access
improved: urban: 100% of population (2015 est.)
rural: 100% of population (2015 est.)
total: 100% of population (2015 est.)
unimproved: urban: 0% of population (2015 est.)
rural: 0% of population (2015 est.)
total: 0% of population (2015 est.)
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate
NA
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS
NA
HIV/AIDS - deaths
NA
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
50% (2016)
country comparison to the world: 6
Education expenditures
NA
Government
Country name
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Niue
former: Savage Island
etymology: the origin of the name is obscure; in Niuean, the word supposedly translates as "behold the coconut"
note: pronunciation falls between nyu-way and new-way, but not like new-wee
Dependency status
self-governing in free association with New Zealand since 1974; Niue is fully responsible for internal affairs; New Zealand retains responsibility for external affairs and defense; however, these responsibilities confer no rights of control and are only exercised at the request of the Government of Niue
Government type
parliamentary democracy
Capital
name: Alofi
geographic coordinates: 19 01 S, 169 55 W
time difference: UTC-11 (6 hours behind Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Administrative divisions
none; note - there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are 14 villages at the second order
Independence
19 October 1974 (Niue became a self-governing state in free association with New Zealand)
National holiday
Waitangi Day (Treaty of Waitangi established British sovereignty over New Zealand), 6 February (1840)
Constitution
history: several previous (New Zealand colonial statutes); latest 19 October 1974 (Niue Constitution Act 1974)
amendments: proposed by the Assembly; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote of the Assembly membership in each of three readings and approval by the majority of votes in a referendum; passage of amendments to a number of sections, including Niue’s self-governing status, British nationality and New Zealand citizenship, external affairs and defense, economic and administrative assistance by New Zealand, and amendment procedures, requires at least two-thirds majority vote by the Assembly and at least two thirds of votes in a referendum; amended 1992, 2007 (2017)
Legal system
English common law
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor-General of New Zealand Dame Patricia Lee REDDY (since 28 September 2016); the UK and New Zealand are represented by New Zealand High Commissioner Kirk YATES (since May 2018)
head of government: Premier Sir Toke TALAGI (since 18 June 2008)
cabinet: Cabinet chosen by the premier
elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; premier indirectly elected by the Legislative Assembly for a 3-year term; election last held on 12 May 2017 (next to be held in 2020)
election results: Toke TALAGI reelected premier; Legislative Assembly vote - Toke TALAGI (independent) 15, O'Love JACOBSEN (independent) 5
Legislative branch
description: unicameral Assembly or Fono Ekepule (20 seats; 14 members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote and 6 directly elected from the National Register or "common roll" by majority vote; members serve 3-year terms)
elections: last held on 6 May 2017 (next to be held in 2020)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - independent 20; composition - men 15, women 5, percent of women 25%
Judicial branch
highest courts: Court of Appeal (consists of the chief justice and up to 3 judges); note - the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (in London) is the final appeal court beyond the Niue Court of Appeal
judge selection and term of office: Niue chief justice appointed by the governor general on the advice of the Cabinet and tendered by the premier; other judges appointed by the governor general on the advice of the Cabinet and tendered by the chief justice and the minister of justice; judges serve until age 68
subordinate courts: High Court
note: Niue is a participant in the Pacific Judicial Development Program, which is designed to build governance and the rule of law in 15 Pacific island countries
Political parties and leaders
Alliance of Independents or AI
Niue People's Action Party or NPP [Young VIVIAN]
International organization participation
ACP, AOSIS, FAO, IFAD, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UNESCO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO
Diplomatic representation in the US
none (self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand)
Diplomatic representation from the US
none (self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand)
Flag description
yellow with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant; the flag of the UK bears five yellow five-pointed stars - a large star on a blue disk in the center and a smaller star on each arm of the bold red cross; the larger star stands for Niue, the smaller stars recall the Southern Cross constellation on the New Zealand flag and symbolize links with that country; yellow represents the bright sunshine of Niue and the warmth and friendship between Niue and New Zealand
National symbol(s)
yellow, five-pointed star; national color: yellow
National anthem
name: "Ko e Iki he Lagi" (The Lord in Heaven)
lyrics/music: unknown/unknown, prepared by Sioeli FUSIKATA
note: adopted 1974
Economy
Economy - overview
The economy suffers from the typical Pacific island problems of geographic isolation, few resources, and a small population. The agricultural sector consists mainly of subsistence gardening, although some cash crops are grown for export. Industry consists primarily of small factories for processing passion fruit, lime oil, honey, and coconut cream. The sale of postage stamps to foreign collectors is an important source of revenue.Government expenditures regularly exceed revenues, and the shortfall is made up by critically needed grants from New Zealand that are used to pay wages to public employees. Economic aid allocation from New Zealand in FY13/14 was US$10.1 million. Niue has cut government expenditures by reducing the public service by almost half.The island in recent years has suffered a serious loss of population because of emigration to New Zealand. Efforts to increase GDP include the promotion of tourism and financial services, although the International Banking Repeal Act of 2002 resulted in the termination of all offshore banking licenses.
GDP (purchasing power parity)
$10.01 million (2003 est.)
country comparison to the world: 228
GDP (official exchange rate)
$10.01 million(2003) (2003)
GDP - real growth rate
6.2% (2003 est.)
country comparison to the world: 32
GDP - per capita (PPP)
$5,800 (2003 est.)
country comparison to the world: 168
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 23.5% (2003)
industry: 26.9% (2003)
services: 49.5% (2003)
Agriculture - products
coconuts, passion fruit, honey, limes, taro, yams, cassava (manioc, tapioca), sweet potatoes; pigs, poultry, beef cattle
Industries
handicrafts, food processing
Industrial production growth rate
NA
Labor force
663 (2001)
country comparison to the world: 230
Labor force - by occupation
note: most work on family plantations; paid work exists only in government service, small industry, and the Niue Development Board
Unemployment rate
12% (2001)
country comparison to the world: 159
Population below poverty line
NA
Household income or consumption by percentage share
lowest 10%: NA
highest 10%: NA
Budget
revenues: 15.07 million (FY04/05)
expenditures: 16.33 million (FY04/05)
Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)
-12.6% (of GDP) (FY04/05)
country comparison to the world: 215
Fiscal year
1 April - 31 March
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
4% (2005)
country comparison to the world: 155
Exports
$201,400 (2004 est.)
country comparison to the world: 221
Exports - commodities
canned coconut cream, copra, honey, vanilla, passion fruit products, pawpaws, root crops, limes, footballs, stamps, handicrafts
Imports
$9.038 million (2004 est.)
country comparison to the world: 223
Imports - commodities
food, live animals, manufactured goods, machinery, fuels, lubricants, chemicals, drugs
Debt - external
$418,000 (2002 est.)
country comparison to the world: 202
Exchange rates
New Zealand dollars (NZD) per US dollar -
1.416 (2017 est.)
1.4279 (2016 est.)
1.4279 (2015)
1.4279 (2014 est.)
1.2039 (2013 est.)
Energy
Electricity - production
3 million kWh (2016 est.)
country comparison to the world: 216
Electricity - consumption
2.79 million kWh (2016 est.)
country comparison to the world: 215
Electricity - exports
0 kWh (2016 est.)
country comparison to the world: 179
Electricity - imports
0 kWh (2016 est.)
country comparison to the world: 181
Electricity - installed generating capacity
2,300 kW (2016 est.)
country comparison to the world: 214
Electricity - from fossil fuels
87% of total installed capacity (2016 est.)
country comparison to the world: 65
Electricity - from nuclear fuels
0% of total installed capacity (2017 est.)
country comparison to the world: 158
Electricity - from hydroelectric plants
0% of total installed capacity (2017 est.)
country comparison to the world: 191
Electricity - from other renewable sources
13% of total installed capacity (2017 est.)
country comparison to the world: 68
Crude oil - production
0 bbl/day (2018 est.)
country comparison to the world: 184
Crude oil - exports
0 bbl/day (2015 est.)
country comparison to the world: 177
Crude oil - imports
0 bbl/day (2015 est.)
country comparison to the world: 178
Crude oil - proved reserves
0 bbl (1 January 2018 est.)
country comparison to the world: 179
Refined petroleum products - production
0 bbl/day (2017 est.)
country comparison to the world: 187
Refined petroleum products - consumption
50 bbl/day (2016 est.)
country comparison to the world: 215
Refined petroleum products - exports
0 bbl/day (2015 est.)
country comparison to the world: 189
Refined petroleum products - imports
54 bbl/day (2015 est.)
country comparison to the world: 211
Natural gas - production
0 cu m (2017 est.)
country comparison to the world: 181
Natural gas - consumption
0 cu m (2017 est.)
country comparison to the world: 185
Natural gas - exports
0 cu m (2017 est.)
country comparison to the world: 164
Natural gas - imports
0 cu m (2017 est.)
country comparison to the world: 170
Natural gas - proved reserves
0 cu m (1 January 2014 est.)
country comparison to the world: 179
Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy
7,252 Mt (2017 est.)
country comparison to the world: 213
Communications
Telephone system
general assessment: sole provider services for over 1000 landlines and fixed wireless lines; cellular telephone service operates on AMPS and GSM platforms; difficult geography presents challenges for rural areas (2018)
domestic: single-line (fixed line) telephone system connects all villages (and virtually all households) on island (2018)
international: country code - 683; landing point for the Manatua submarine cable linking Niue to several South Pacific Ocean Islands (2019)
Broadcast media
1 government-owned TV station with many of the programs supplied by Television New Zealand; 1 government-owned radio station broadcasting in AM and FM (2019)
Internet country code
.nu
Internet users
total: 1,090
percent of population: 91.6% (July 2016 est.)
country comparison to the world: 222
Military and Security
Military and security forces
no regular indigenous military forces; Police Force (2019)
Military - note
defense is the responsibility of New Zealand
Transportation
Airports
1 (2013)
country comparison to the world: 231
Airports - with paved runways
total: 1 (2017)
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2017)
Airports - with unpaved runways
total: 1 (2013)
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2013)
Roadways
total: 234 km (2017)
paved: 210 km (2017)
unpaved: 24 km
country comparison to the world: 200
Ports and terminals
major seaport(s): Alofi
Transnational Issues
Disputes - international
none