Niue facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Niue Niuē  (Niuean)
Flag Seal
Motto: Atua, Niue Tukulagi (Niuean) "God, Niue Eternally"
Anthem: Ko e Iki he Lagi (Niuean) "The Lord in Heaven"
Satellite image of Niue
Capital and largest village	Alofi 19°03′14″S 169°55′12″W / 19.05389°S 169.92000°W / -19.05389; -169.92000
Official languages	Niuean English
Ethnic groups	66.5% Niuean 13.4% Part-Niuean 20.1% Other
Religion	96.4% Christianity 3.3% None 0.3% Others
Demonym(s)	Niuean
Government	Unitary non-partisan parliamentary constitutional monarchy
• Monarch	Charles III
• Representative of the King	Dame Cindy Kiro
• Prime Minister	Dalton Tagelagi
Legislature	Niue Assembly
Associated state of New Zealand
• Self-government in free association with New Zealand	19 October 1974
• Independence in foreign relations recognised by the UN	1994
Area
• Total	261.46 km2 (100.95 sq mi)
• Water (%)	negligible
Population
• 2018 estimate	1,620 (not ranked)
• 2022 census	1,681
• Density	[convert: invalid number] (not ranked)
GDP (PPP)	2003 estimate
• Total	$10.0 million (228th)
• Per capita	$5,800 (164th)
GDP (nominal)	2021 estimate
• Total	US$38,000,000
Currency	New Zealand dollar (NZD)
Time zone	UTC−11
Driving side	left
Calling code	+683
ISO 3166 code	NU
Internet TLD	.nu
The Niue dollar, pegged with the New Zealand dollar at par, is also official legal tender, although is mainly used for issuing collector's coins and does not circulate widely.

Niue (pronounced "NYOO-ay") is a small island country in the South Pacific Ocean. It is a self-governing nation that works closely with New Zealand. Niue is part of Polynesia and most of its people are Polynesians.

Niue is one of the world's largest coral islands. It is often called "The Rock" because of its traditional name, "Rock of Polynesia." The island is located in a triangle between Tonga, Samoa, and the Cook Islands. It is about 2,400 kilometers (1,500 miles) northeast of New Zealand.

The island has two main levels. The higher part is a limestone cliff along the coast, with a flat area in the middle about 60 meters (200 feet) above sea level. The lower part is a coastal area about 0.5 kilometers (0.3 miles) wide. A coral reef surrounds the island. The main break in the reef is near the capital, Alofi.

Niue is divided into 14 villages. Each village has a council and sends a representative to the Niue Assembly (parliament). Most Niuean people live in New Zealand. Niue is a bilingual country, meaning people speak two languages. About 30% of the population speaks both Niuean and English.

New Zealand handles most of Niue's international relations. Niueans are citizens of New Zealand. Charles III is Niue's head of state as the King of New Zealand. Niue is a parliamentary democracy, with elections every three years. It is not a member of the United Nations (UN) but works with many UN groups.

History

Early Settlers and Kings

Polynesians from Samoa first settled in Niue around 900 CE. Later, more settlers arrived from Tonga in the 1500s.

For a long time, Niue did not have one main government. Chiefs and family leaders made decisions for their own groups. Then, a series of patu-iki (kings) began to rule. The first king to become Christian was Tui-toga, who ruled from 1875 to 1887.

European Contact and "Savage Island"

The first Europeans to see Niue were led by Captain James Cook in 1774. Cook tried three times to land, but the people would not let him. He called the island "Savage Island." This was because the people who met him had their teeth painted red. This red color came from a native red fe'i banana. For about 200 years, the island was known as Savage Island. Then, its original name, "Niue," which means "behold the coconut," was used again.

Whaling ships visited the island often in the 1800s. The first recorded visit was by the Fanny in 1824.

The Arrival of Christianity

A 1932 stamp of Niue

Later, missionaries from the London Missionary Society arrived. After many tries, they took a Niuean man named Nukai Peniamina to Samoa. There, he was trained as a pastor.

Peniamina returned in 1846. He was finally allowed to land in the village of Mutalau. The chiefs of Mutalau protected him. Christianity was first taught in Mutalau and then spread to other villages. The village of Hakupu, which was the last to accept Christianity, was renamed "Ha Kupu Atua," meaning "any word of God."

Becoming Part of New Zealand

Prime Minister of New Zealand Richard Seddon and the King of Niue, around 1900

In 1889, the chiefs of Niue wrote to Queen Victoria. They asked her to protect their island from other nations. The British did not accept the offer right away. In 1900, the "King" and Chiefs of Niue agreed for Queen Victoria to take control of the island.

A British Protectorate was declared for a short time. Then, on June 11, 1901, Niue became part of New Zealand.

Modern Times

Detailed map of Niue

The Niue International Airport was built in 1970. It opened for flights in 1971.

In 1974, the New Zealand Parliament gave Niue the right to govern itself. Niueans voted on three choices: full independence, self-government with New Zealand, or staying a New Zealand territory. Most chose self-government. Robert Rex became the first Premier of Niue. He led the country for 18 years.

In January 2004, Cyclone Heta hit Niue. It caused a lot of damage across the island.

In March 2020, Niue became the first entire country to be named an International Dark Sky Sanctuary. This means it has very little light pollution. In 2023, the United States officially recognized Niue as a sovereign nation.

Geography

Natural stone arch

Niue is a 261.46 square kilometer (100.95 sq mi) raised coral atoll in the southern Pacific Ocean. It is located east of Tonga.

The island is mostly oval-shaped, about 18 kilometers (11 miles) across. It has two large bays on its western coast: Alofi Bay and Avatele Bay. Most people live near the west coast, around the capital city of Alofi.

Geology of Niue

Coral chasm

Niue's soils are very unique. They are extremely weathered tropical soils. This means they have been changed a lot by weather over time. They have high levels of iron, aluminum, and mercury. They also have natural radioactivity, but this is too low to harm people.

These unusual soils are rich in phosphate, which is a nutrient for plants. However, the plants cannot easily use it. Scientists think similar soils might exist on other islands in the Pacific.

Climate

Niue has a tropical rainforest climate. This means it has high temperatures and a lot of rain all year. There isn't a true dry or wet season, but it rains more from October to May.

Environment and Green Efforts

Niue's coastline

Niue is working to become a "green growth" country. The Niue Island Organic Farmers Association wants Niue to be the first fully organic nation.

Niue aims to use 80% renewable energy by 2025. In 2009, solar panels were installed to help power the island. More solar power systems were added in 2014.

In 2023, Niue and other island nations asked for a move away from fossil fuels. They want a quick and fair switch to renewable energy. They also want stronger environmental laws.

In 2022, Niue declared its entire ocean area a marine park. This helps protect the ocean and its creatures.

Flora and Fauna

Pandanus

Niue is home to about 60 native plants and many naturalized flowering plants. The island's plant life was not well recorded for a long time.

The Huvalu Forest Conservation Area is a large protected forest on the eastern side of the island. It was created in 1992. This area protects the biggest part of Niue's original forest. It is also an important place for birds. Birds like crimson-crowned fruit doves and blue-crowned lorikeets live there.

Economy

Alofi, the capital of Niue

Niue's economy is small. In 2003, its total value of goods and services (GDP) was about US$10 million. By 2016, it grew to US$24.9 million. Niue uses the New Zealand dollar.

The Niue Integrated Strategic Plan (NISP) guides the country's development. After Cyclone Heta in 2004, Niue focused on rebuilding its businesses. New Zealand helped by giving money to support private businesses.

Working Together

The government and a New Zealand company started two joint projects. One was to develop fisheries. The other was a large farm for noni fruit. Noni fruit comes from a small tree and has edible fruit. Niue Fish Processors Ltd (NFP) processes fresh fish, mostly tuna, for export.

Trade and Debt

Niue is working on free trade agreements with other Pacific countries. These agreements help make trade easier.

In 2016, Niue announced that it had paid off all its national debt. The government plans to use the saved money to increase pensions and encourage Niueans living abroad to return home. However, Niue still relies on New Zealand for financial aid. New Zealand provides about $14 million in aid each year.

Income Sources

Money sent home by Niueans living overseas used to be a big source of income. But as more families moved to New Zealand, less money was sent back.

Foreign aid is now a very important source of income. It makes up about a third of Niue's government money. Most of this aid comes from New Zealand. Other income comes from taxes and services like selling special postage stamps.

Niue also offers automated company registration. In 2009, Niue introduced a 12.5% tax on goods and services. Income tax was lowered to encourage people to work more.

Internet Access

In 2003, Niue became the first country to offer free wireless internet to everyone. This was managed by the Internet Users Society-Niue (IUS-N). They used money from selling .nu internet addresses to fund this.

Since 2003, IUS-N has expanded Wi-Fi coverage across the capital and into many villages and schools. This made Niue the first "Wi-Fi nation." In 2020, the Government of Niue began efforts to take control of its .nu web domain. In 2021, Niue was connected to a major fiber optic cable, improving internet speed.

Agriculture

Taro crop

Farming is very important to Niuean life and the economy. About 204 square kilometers (79 sq mi) of land is used for farming. Many households grow their own food, especially taro. Taro is a main food, and Niue's pink taro is popular in New Zealand and Australia. Niue exports taro to New Zealand.

Other crops like tapioca, yams, kumara, and bananas also grow well. In the past, copra (dried coconut meat), passionfruit, and limes were major exports. Today, vanilla, noni, and taro are the main export crops.

Most families grow food for themselves and sell any extra at the Niue Makete in Alofi. Coconut crab, or uga, is also a traditional food. In 2003, the government started to grow more vanilla. The vanilla industry was damaged by Cyclone Heta in 2004 but has since recovered.

Tourism

Avatele Beach

Tourism is one of the main areas for economic growth. In 2006, visitors spent about US$1.6 million. The only airport is Niue International Airport. Air New Zealand flies there twice a week from Auckland.

Niue wants to attract more tourists and foreign investors. They offer tax breaks to encourage investment in tourism.

Dark Sky Country Status

Niue became the world's first dark sky country in March 2020. The whole island works to keep light pollution low. This allows visitors to enjoy amazing views of the night sky. Guided "Astro-tours" are available, led by trained Niuean community members. Places used for whale-watching and roads across the island are great for stargazing.

The sailing season starts in May. Alofi Bay has many mooring buoys for yachts.

Information Technology

Students using their OLPC laptops in the school yard.

In 2003, Niue became the first country to provide free wireless internet to all its people.

By 2008, all school students had OLPC XO-1 laptops. These laptops are designed for children in developing countries. In 2011, mobile phone services were launched. In 2015, fiber optic cables were laid around the island. This brought landline phones and ADSL internet to homes in all 14 villages.

Demographics

Population Changes Over Time

Who Lives in Niue?

• Nationality: Niuean
• Ethnic Groups:

* 65.4% Niuean * 14% Part-Niuean * 20.6% Non-Niuean (including other Pacific Islanders, Europeans, and Asians)

• Religions:

* 61.7% Ekalesia Niue (a Protestant church) * 8.7% Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints * 8.4% Catholic * 2.7% Jehovah's Witnesses * 1.4% Seventh-day Adventist * 8.2% Other religions * 8.9% No religion

• Languages:

* 46% Niuean (official) * 32% Niuean and English * 11% English (official) * 5% Niuean and other languages * 6% Other languages

Culture

Niuean dancers at the Pasifika Festival

Niue is the home of New Zealand artist and writer John Pule. He writes books and creates art inspired by traditional Niuean designs. Matafetu Smith started the first Niuean women's weaving group in Auckland.

Taoga Niue is a government department that works to protect Niue's culture, traditions, and heritage.

Media and Museums

Niue has two broadcast stations: Television Niue and Radio Sunshine. They are run by the Broadcasting Corporation of Niue. There is also one newspaper, the Niue Star.

In 2004, Cyclone Heta destroyed the old museum. In 2018, a new national museum for Niue, called Fale Tau Tāoga Museum, opened.

Cuisine: What People Eat

Because Niue is an island, fresh seafood is a big part of its food. Many dishes also use local fruits and vegetables, especially coconut. Takihi, the national dish, is made from coconut cream, thin slices of taro, and papaya.

Sport

The Niue sevens team performing a takalo

Even though it's a small country, many sports are popular in Niue. Rugby union is the most popular sport for both men and women. Niue won the 2008 FORU Oceania Cup. Netball is played by women. There is also a nine-hole golf course and a lawn bowling green.

Association football is also popular. The Niue national football team has played a few matches. Rugby league is another popular sport.

Niue takes part in the Commonwealth Games. However, it is not a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). This means Niue does not compete in the Olympic Games. To be in the Olympics, a country must be an independent state recognized by the world.

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See also

In Spanish: Niue para niños