GEOGRAPHY

Tokelau is a group of three coral atolls located in the South Pacific Ocean, about midway between Hawaii and New Zealand. The atolls are named Atafu, Nukunonu, and Fakaofo, and they have a combined land area of just 10 square kilometers. The islands are low-lying and surrounded by coral reefs, and their highest point is only 5 meters above sea level. Tokelau’s climate is tropical, with temperatures averaging between 26°C and 30°C annually.

POPULATION AND LANGUAGE

The population of Tokelau is estimated to be approximately 1,500 people. The majority of the population are ethnic Tokelauans, who are Polynesians with distinct cultural and linguistic identities. The official languages of Tokelau are Tokelauan and English, with Tokelauan being the most widely spoken language. Tokelauan language is closely related to Samoan and other Pacific Island languages. Christianity is the predominant religion in Tokelau, with around 98% of the population identifying as Christians.

CLIMATE

Tokelau has a tropical maritime climate with high temperatures and humidity throughout the year. The rainy period lasts from November to April, with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 29°C. The dry period occurs from May to October, with temperatures ranging between 23°C to 27°C. Tokelau is also prone to tropical cyclones, which can occur between November and April, with the peak of the cyclone season usually in February or March.

CULTURE

The people of Tokelau are Polynesians who have a rich cultural heritage. Traditional Tokelauan culture is closely tied to the sea, with fishing and seafaring playing a central role in daily life. The people of Tokelau have a strong sense of community and a deep respect (“fa’aaloalo,”) for their elders, who are held in high esteem and their wisdom valued. Tokelauan culture is also characterized by its intricate weaving, tattooing, and dance traditions. Weaving is a particularly important skill, with mats and baskets made from pandanus leaves being a staple of Tokelauan culture. The “fatele” is a traditional dance performed on special occasions such as weddings and birthdays.

ECONOMY

The economy of Tokelau is largely based on subsistence agriculture, fishing, and remittances from Tokelauans living abroad. Fishing is an important source of income and food for the people of Tokelau. The territory’s location in the Pacific Ocean gives it access to a rich fishing ground, and traditional fishing practices have been passed down through generations. The government of Tokelau has been working to develop its infrastructure and promote economic development. This includes investing in renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power and exploring opportunities for sustainable tourism. The territory uses the New Zealand dollar as its official currency, and it receives financial assistance from the New Zealand government and trade and transportation links.

GOVERNMENT

Tokelau is a self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand. The territory has a unique political system known as the “General Fono,” a council of each village’s elders. General Fono makes decisions through consensus-building, with each village having an equal say in the decision-making process.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

Tokelau has a developing tourism industry. The territory is home to several natural attractions that visitors may find interesting. These include the coral reefs surrounding the atolls, popular spots for snorkeling and diving. The atolls also have several lagoons and beaches ideal for swimming and relaxation. Visitors can also experience traditional Tokelauan culture by attending local festivals and proceedings, such as the Tokelau Language Week.

HISTORY

The islands of Tokelau were first settled by Polynesian navigators around 1,000 years ago. They remained largely isolated until the late 19th century when European explorers began to visit the region. Tokelau was annexed by Britain in 1889, and it became a British protectorate in 1916. In 1925, Tokelau was transferred to New Zealand and has remained a part of the country ever since. Today, Tokelau is a self-governing territory with a unique political system.

FUN FACTS ABOUT TOKELAU

Tokelau is one of the smallest countries in the world, with a total land coverage of just 10 square kilometers and a population of around 1,500 people.

Tokelau comprises three coral atolls: Atafu, Nukunonu, and Fakaofo, all connected by narrow strips of land.

Tokelau is one of the few countries in the world that has never had any recorded cases of COVID-19.

The people of Tokelau are known for their hospitality and a strong sense of community, with traditional communal activities like dance and music playing an important role in their culture.