Tokelau

At a glance Land People Economy Achievements and challenges Links with Australia Tokelau at a glance Did you know? The highest point in Tokelau is only five metres above sea level. Region Oceania, Pacific Population 1,433 (July 2008 estimate) Land Geography: low-lying coral atolls enclosing large lagoons Climate: Tropical People Religion: Christian Language: Tokelauan (a Polynesian language), English Economy GDP per person (PPP): $1,000 (1993 est.) GDP by sector: N/A Government Dependant of New Zealand Land Physical geography Tokelau is a group of three atolls (Atafu, Nukunonu and Fakaofo) lying about 480 kilometres north of Samoa – about halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand in the Central Pacific Ocean . Collectively the total landmass of the atolls is 10 square kilometres. All three atolls are low-lying and enclose large lagoons. The highest point in Tokelau is five metres above sea level. Climate The climate is tropical and moderated by trade winds from April through to November. The atolls lie in the Pacific typhoon belt, making them susceptible to passing cyclones. Environment Green turtles, hawksbills and loggerhead turtles are known to nest on the islands, along with seabirds. Tokelau soil is thin and moderately infertile, which means that it has few natural resources. People The population of Tokelau is spread relatively evenly over the three atolls, with 524 people residing on Atafu, 483 on Fakaofo and 426 on Nukunonu. People Culture and identity Tokelau was originally settled by Polynesian people from surrounding island groups. They share the same language and social customs. It is a self-administering territory of New Zealand . Traditional skills include wood carving and mat making. Health N/A Religion and beliefs The population of Tokelau is largely Christian – Congregational Christians make up 70% of the population, Roman Catholics 28%. Food and shelter Life on the atolls is largely subsistence-based with a heavy reliance of fish and coconut. Other local foods include bananas, breadfruit, pandanus and papaya. The diet of Tokelau is supplemented by importations of rice, flour and sugar from New Zealand . Traditionally, Tokelauan homes were built of wood and palm leaves and designed to keep the inside temperature as cool and dry as possible. Today, concrete and corrugated iron are often used in construction. Economy Wealth and poverty Tokelau relies heavily on aid from New Zealand – about $4 million annually – to maintain public services. Money is also remitted to families from relatives in New Zealand . Education and work Most people are employed by the government as public servants. Others perform agricultural tasks such as fishing and food production, as well as handicraft production and local village management. Industries and products Tokelau's small size (three villages), isolation, and lack of resources greatly restrict economic development and confine agriculture to the subsistence level. Agricultural products include coconuts, copra, breadfruit, papayas, bananas, pigs, poultry, goats, and fish. Industry includes small-scale enterprises for copra production, woodworking, woven palm leaf goods, stamps, coins and fishing. Trade Export commodities include stamps, copra and handicrafts. Tokelau's main export partner is New Zealand. Import commodities include foodstuffs, building materials and fuel from New Zealand. Achievements and challenges Copra, once the mainstay of the economy, has been hit by falling world prices and rising freight costs. Links with Australia Australia 's bilateral aid is approximately $360,000 each year. It covers tertiary education and training opportunities, via scholarships, for students from Tokelau, and contributions to the Tokelau International Trust Fund. Main sources: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html http://www.dfat.gov.au/

As a self-administering territory of New Zealand Tokelau uses the NZ flag.

Transferring from boat to boat in the open sea is very dangerous but very common in the Pacific. Photo: NZAID