Tokelau Overview
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Where is Tokelau located?

What countries border Tokelau?

Tokelau Facts and Culture

What is Tokelau famous for?

  • Cultural Attributes: One of the most prominent aspects of Tokelauan culture is their strong sense of community and family. The islanders practice... More
  • Family: Family is a central part of Tokelauan culture, and the family structure is based on strong social and cultural values.... More
  • Personal Apperance: Traditional Tokelauan dress is simple and practical, designed to suit the island's tropical climate. The traditional dress for men is... More
  • Recreation: Fishing is a popular pastime in Tokelau, with many islanders relying on fishing as a source of food and income.... More
  • Diet: The traditional Tokelauan diet is based on locally grown and harvested foods, with a focus on fresh seafood, coconut, and... More
  • Food and Recipes: Mealtime in Tokelauan culture is often a communal and social affair, with family and friends gathering together to share food... More
  • Visiting: When visiting people in Tokelau, it's important to keep in mind the cultural norms and practices of the islands. Here... More
  • Dating: The concept of dating as it is known in Western culture is not common in Tokelau. Instead, relationships often develop... More

Tokelau Facts

What is the capital of Tokelau?

Capital note: there is no designated, official capital for Tokelau; the location of the capital rotates among the three atolls along with the head of government or Ulu o Tokelau
Government Type parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy
Currency New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
Total Area 5 Square Miles
12 Square Kilometers
Location Oceania, group of three atolls in the South Pacific Ocean, about one-half of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand
Language Tokelauan (a Polynesian language), English
GDP - per capita (PPP) $1,000.00 (USD)

Tokelau Demographics

What is the population of Tokelau?

Ethnic Groups Polynesian
Nationality Noun Tokelauan(s)
Population 1,647
Population Growth Rate -0.01%
Urban Population 0.000000

Tokelau Government

What type of government does Tokelau have?

Executive Branch chief of state: King CHARLES III (since 8 September 2022); represented by Governor-General of New Zealand Dame Cindy KIRO (since 21 September 2021); New Zealand is represented by Administrator Don HIGGINS (since June 2022)

head of government: (Ulu o Tokelau) Alapati TAVITE (since 12 March 2024); note - position rotates annually among the three Faipule (village leaders) of the atolls

cabinet: Council for the Ongoing Government of Tokelau (or Tokelau Council) functions as a cabinet; consists of 3 village leaders (Faipule) and 3 village mayors (Pulenuku)

elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch; administrator appointed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade in New Zealand; head of government chosen from the Council of Faipule to serve a 1-year term

note: the meeting place of the Tokelau Council rotates annually among the three atolls; this tradition has given rise to the somewhat misleading description that the capital rotates yearly between the three atolls; in actuality, it is the seat of the government councilors that rotates since Tokelau has no capital
Suffrage 21 years of age; universal
Citizenship see New Zealand
National Holiday Waitangi Day (Treaty of Waitangi established British sovereignty over New Zealand), 6 February (1840)
Constitution history: many previous; latest effective 1 January 1949 (Tokelau Islands Act 1948)

amendments: proposed as a resolution by the General Fono; passage requires support by each village and approval by the General Fono; amended several times, last in 2007
Independence none (territory of New Zealand)

Tokelau Video

YouTube: Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa Scenes of Fakaofo atoll, Tokelau

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Tokelau Geography

What environmental issues does Tokelau have?

Climate tropical; moderated by trade winds (April to November)
Environment - Current Issues very limited natural resources and overcrowding are contributing to emigration to New Zealand
Terrain low-lying coral atolls enclosing large lagoons

Tokelau Economy

How big is the Tokelau economy?

Economic Overview The economic outlook for Tokelau is challenging due to the country's small size, remoteness, and limited resources. However, there are some positive developments that may help improve the country's economic prospects.

One of the most significant factors affecting the Tokelau economy is its heavy reliance on overseas aid. The New Zealand government provides significant financial assistance to Tokelau, which accounts for the majority of the country's revenue. While this aid has helped to support basic services and infrastructure development, it also makes the country vulnerable to changes in the international aid landscape.

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in tourism as a potential source of economic growth for Tokelau. The country's pristine natural environment and unique culture could attract visitors looking for an off-the-beaten-path destination. However, developing a sustainable and responsible tourism industry will require significant investment in infrastructure, marketing, and training.

Another potential area for economic development is the country's fisheries sector. The waters surrounding Tokelau are home to a variety of fish species, including tuna and skipjack. By expanding its fishing operations, Tokelau could increase its exports and generate revenue for the local economy.

Despite these opportunities, there are also significant challenges facing the Tokelau economy. The country's limited land area and natural resources make it difficult to develop new industries, while it's remote location and small population limit its market potential. Additionally, climate change and rising sea levels pose a significant threat to the country's infrastructure and way of life.
Industries small-scale enterprises for copra production, woodworking, plaited craft goods; stamps, coins; fishing
Currency Name and Code New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
Export Partners NZ
Import Partners New Zealand

Tokelau News and Current Events

What current events are happening in Tokelau?
Source: Google News

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