Overview of Niue

Profile

Niue is an isolated raised coral atoll located east of Tonga and southeast of Samoa, with an area of 269 km² and a population of approximately 1,600, making it one of the world's smallest countries by population. In 1974, it gained self-government and established a free association with New Zealand, maintaining internal autonomy while retaining the New Zealand monarch as head of state. The official languages are Niuean and English, and almost all residents hold dual New Zealand citizenship. The entire island consists of limestone plateaus, with steep cliffs along the coast and highly transparent lagoons. Popular activities include whale watching and cave diving. The economy relies primarily on agriculture, international aid, and remittances from overseas migrants, with additional revenue from .nu domain registrations and commemorative coin issuances.

Official name: Niue
Common name: Niue
Numeric code: 570
Alpha-3 code: NIU
Alpha-2 code: NU
Population: Approx. 1,600 (2022)
Population density: Approx. 6 people/km2
Primary languages: Niuean, English
Major religions: Christianity
National anthem: Ko e Iki he Lagi
Calling code: +683
Internet TLD: .nu

History

After Polynesian settlement, it became a British protectorate in 1900, then a New Zealand territory from 1901, achieving self-government in free association in 1974.

Archaeological evidence suggests Polynesians settled around the beginning of the common era, with the islands under the influence of the Tongan maritime empire during the 13th–16th centuries. James Cook arrived in 1774 but was refused landing, naming it "Savage Island." In the mid-19th century, Samoan missionaries introduced Christianity. In 1900, at the king's petition, it became a British protectorate, then was incorporated into New Zealand territory as part of the Cook Islands in 1901. A parliament was established in 1960, and on October 19, 1974, the constitution came into effect, establishing full internal self-government and free association. Since then, Niue has independently joined international organizations and established diplomatic relations with countries including China and Japan.

Geography & climate

A raised coral atoll entirely of limestone plateau, surrounded by 20–60m cliffs, with caves, chasm pools, and blowholes along the coast, and gentle highlands and low-density tropical forest inland.

Tropical savanna climate (Aw)

Area: Oceania / 269 km²
Capital: Alofi
Largest city: Alofi
Coastal status: Yes

Natural resources

Limestone, Coral reefs, Coconuts, Taro, Vanilla, Noni, Solar energy, Tidal power, Deep-sea fishery resources, Tourism resources (caves, whales), Honey, Bananas, Mangoes, Breadfruit, Rainwater

Politics

Government: Constitutional monarchy (free association), parliamentary system

Economy

Currency: New Zealand Dollar (NZD)

GDP (nominal): Approx. 25 million US Dollars (2021)

GDP (PPP): Approx. 53 million US Dollars (2021)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Niuean, English

Time zone: Niue Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Niuean (Polynesian), Samoan, Tongan, European New Zealander, Other minorities

Life expectancy

Approx. 72 years

Literacy rate

Approx. 96%

National sports

Rugby League, Rugby Union, Cricket, Volleyball, Netball, Soccer