Niue is an island located in the South Pacific Ocean. It is commonly known as "Rock of Polynesia". Although it is self-governing, it is in free association with New Zealand and is not regarded as an independent state. Niue is located 2,400 Kilometers north-east of New Zealand in a triangle between Tonga, Samoa and the Cook Islands.

Niue
Coat of Arms
(In Detail) (In Detail)
Official languages Niuean, English
Capital Alofi
New Zealand
High Commissioner
Sandra Lee
PremierYoung Vivian
Area
 - Total
- % water
(not ranked)
260 kmē
0
Population
 - Total (2003)
(not ranked)
 2,145
Establishment
 - Date
Niue Constitution Act
19 October 1974
Currency New Zealand dollar
Time zone UTC -11
National anthem None
Internet TLD.NU

Table of contents
1 History
2 Politics
3 Culture
4 Geography
5 Defence and Foreign affairs
6 Related topics
7 External links

History

Main article: History of Niue

European involvement in Niue began in 1774 with Captain James Cook's sighting (landing was refused) of what he named Savage Island.

The next major arrival was the London Missionary Society in 1846. Briefly a protectorate, the UK's involvement was passed on in 1901 when New Zealand annexed the island. Independence in the form of self-government was granted by the New Zealand parliament in the 1974 constitution.

Early in 2004, Niue was hit by the fierce tropical storm Cyclone Heta which, while killing only one, did extensive damage to the entire island.

Politics

Main article: Politics of Niue

The Niue Constitution Act 1974 (NZ) vests executive authority in Her Majesty the Queen in Right of New Zealand and the Governor-General of New Zealand. In practice, the constitution specifies that in every day practice, it is exercised by a Cabinet of the Premier of Niue and three other ministers. The premier and ministers must be members of the Niue Assembly, the nation's legislative assembly.

The assembly consists of 20 democratically elected members, 14 by the electors of village constituencies. The remaining 6 are elected the same way, except several constituencies are combined for each seat. Electors must be New Zealand citizens resident for at least 3 months, and candidates must have been electors resident for 12 months. The speaker is elected from among the members.

Culture

Main article: Culture of Niue

  • Music of Niue

Geography

Main article:
Geography of Niue

Niue is an island of a tropical climate located in the southern Pacific Ocean, east of Tonga. Of special interest, it is one of world's largest coral islands.

The geographic cordinates of Niue are 19 02 S, 169 52 W.

Area


total: 260 sq km water: 0 sq km land: 260 sq km

Land use


arable land: 19.23% permanent crops: 7.69% other: 73.08% (1998 est.)

Climate


Niue has a tropical climate affected by southeast trade winds.

Terrain


The terrain of Niue consists of steep limestone cliffs along coast with a central plateau.

Most rainfall falls between November and April.

Defence and Foreign affairs

Niue has been self-governing in free association with New Zealand since 1974; Niue is fully responsible for internal affairs; New Zealand retains responsibility for foreign affairs and defence; however, these responsibilities confer no rights of control and are only exercised at the request of the Government of Niue. Niue has no regular indigenous military forces.

Related topics

External links


Countries of the world  |  Oceania