Tokelau, comprising three coral atolls in the South Pacific Ocean, is a Non-Self-Governing territory of New Zealand. There is no formal capital of the archipelago as each atoll has its own administrative centre. Defense of Tokelau is the responsibility of New Zealand.

HISTORY:- The region was originally settled by the Polynesians. In 1889, the British settled a protectorate in Tokelau. In 1925, it passed to New Zealand.

GEOGRAPHY:- Tokelau is located at 9 00 S, 172 00 W in the Oceania. Tokelau comprises three atolls in the South Pacific Ocean, spanning across 10 sq km area. The coastline is 101 km long along with the South Pacific Ocean. The lowest point is the Pacific Ocean (0 m) and the highest point is an unnamed location (5 m). The islands are formed of low-lying coral atolls enclosing large lagoons.

CLIMATE:- The climate of Tokelau is mostly tropical which is moderated by the trade winds from April to November.

GOVERNMENT:- Both Tokelau and New Zealand have agreed to a draft constitution as Tokelau moves toward free association with New Zealand. It is a self-administering territory of New Zealand. The islands are governed according to the Tokelau Islands Act of 1948. The legal system is based on the New Zealand law and local statutes. The three major branches of the government are:

Executive branch comprises the Queen Elizabeth II (chief of state), the Administrator, the Head of Government, and the Council for the current Government of Tokelau. The Queen is represented by the Governor General of New Zealand. The Administrator represents New Zealand in the territory.

Legislative branch comprises the unicameral General Fono (20 seats).

Judicial branch comprises the Supreme Court in New Zealand which exercises civil and criminal jurisdiction in Tokelau.

 There is no political party in Tokelau. Suffrage is universal at the age of 21.

ECONOMY:- Subsistence agriculture is the base of the economy of Tokelau. The islands depend heavily on the financial assistances from New Zealand.

GDP (purchasing power parity): $1.5 million (1993 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate): $NA

GDP - real growth rate: NA%

GDP - per capita (PPP): $1,000 (1993 est.)

Labor force: 440 (2001)

Unemployment rate: NA%

Population below poverty line: NA%

Budget:  

Revenues: $430,800

Expenditures: $2.8 million (1987 est.)

Agriculture – products: Coconuts, copra, breadfruit, papayas, bananas; pigs, poultry, goats; fish

Industries: Small-scale enterprises for copra production, woodworking, plaited craft goods; stamps, coins; fishing

Exports:$0 (2002)

Exports - commodities: Stamps, copra, handicrafts

Exports - partners: New Zealand (2006)

Imports:$969,200 c.i.f. (2002)

Imports - commodities: Foodstuffs, building materials, fuel

Imports - partners: New Zealand (2006)

Currency: New Zealand dollar (NZD)

LANGUAGE:- Tokelauan and English are the official languages of Tokelau.

POPULATION:- The estimated population of Tokelau is 1,433 (July 2008 est.) with an average growth rate of -0.011% (2008 est.).

RACE:- Predominantly Polynesians reside in Tokelau.

RELIGION:-

Congregational Christian Church 70%

Roman Catholic 28%

Other 2%

UNICEF:- UNICEF’s Child Protection Programme fights against violence against children. UNICEF and its partners provide psychosocial support to social, environmental or political conflict-affected children. UNICEF’s Adolescent Development and Child Health Programme promotes awareness on HIV among the youth, trains the youth to enhance their skills. Teenage pregnancy, sexual abuse and trafficking of children are the major issues with the region. UNICEF supplies vaccines at a low cost. UNICEF partners with civil registrars and health ministries to assist them in birth registration.

TRANSPORTATION:-

Ports and terminals: None; offshore anchorage only.

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