Tokelau Islands

TOKELAU

Islands in Oceania, in the center, part of the Pacific Ocean (atolls - Atafu, Nukunono, and Fakaofo). Total area - 10.12 km². Administrative center — Fakaofo on the atoll of Fakaofo (approx. 700 people). Population - 1,500 (2004), mainly Polynesians. Official language - English. Currency - New Zealand dollar and Tokelau souvenir coin.

The atolls were discovered by the Englishman J. Byron in 1765. In 1925, Great Britain transferred the Tokelau Islands, which had been under its protectorate since 1877, to the administration of New Zealand. In 1948, they were officially included in New Zealand as a "non-self-governing territory of New Zealand." In 1977, they gained self-governing status. The administrative powers to manage Tokelau are held by a specially appointed administrator (N. Walter), who is directly responsible to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand, with an office in Samoa.

Local government bodies are councils of elders, elected by universal suffrage for a term of 3 years. The main governing body is the General Fono (elected by the councils of elders of each atoll for a term of 3 years).

The basis of Tokelau's economy is fishing, pig farming, coconut palm cultivation, and copra production.

Economic aid from New Zealand, Australia, and the UN is of significant importance, as well as remittances from Tokelauans working in New Zealand.

Each of the atolls has its own radio stations.