Tokelau

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Oceania : Polynesia : Tokelau
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Flag
Image:tl-flag.png
Quick Facts
Capital none; each atoll has its own administrative center
Government NA
Currency New Zealand dollar (NZD)
Area 10 sq km
Population 1,431 (July 2002 est.)
Language Tokelauan (a Polynesian language), English
Religion Congregational Christian Church 70% (mostly Atafu, Fakaofo), Roman Catholic 28% (mostly Nukunonu), other 2%
Calling Code +690
Internet TLD .tk
Time Zone UTC -11

Tokelau is in Polynesia, a group of three atolls about half way between Hawaii to New Zealand.

[edit] Regions

  • Atafu
  • Nukunonu
  • Fakaofo

[edit] Understand

Originally settled by Polynesian emigrants from surrounding island groups, the Tokelau Islands were made a British protectorate in 1889. They were transferred to New Zealand administration in 1925.

Tokelau's small size (three villages), isolation, and lack of resources greatly restrain economic development and confine agriculture to the subsistence level. The people rely heavily on aid from New Zealand -- about $4 million annually -- to maintain public services, annual aid being substantially greater than GDP. The principal sources of revenue come from sales of copra, postage stamps, souvenir coins, and handicrafts.

[edit] Climate

Tropical; moderated by trade winds (April to November)

[edit] Landscape

Tokelau consists of three atolls, each with a lagoon surrounded by a number of reef-bound islets of varying length and rising to over three meters above sea level.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By plane

Tokelau has no airports. Lagoon landings are possible by amphibious aircraft

[edit] By boat

Tokelau has no ports or harbors; offshore anchorage only. A twice monthly service runs from Apia onboard the MV Tokelau. This is subject to change and often unreliable. Foreigners take last priority in securing a place.

[edit] Get around

[edit] Talk

Tokelauan, a Polynesian language closely related to Samoan and Tuvaluan, is the native language, and most people can speak and understand English.

[edit][add listing] Buy

The New Zealand dollar is used. Some Tokelauan-branded dollars have been produced but are hard to find.

[edit] Costs

[edit][add listing] Eat

The Luana Liki Hotel in Nukunonu is the only public eating place.

[edit][add listing] Drink

Samoan beer is available in shops and at the Luana Like Hotel, but sale is strictly rationed in Nukunonu.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

The Luana Liki Hotel in Nukunonu is Tokelau's only commercial accommodation. Homestays may be arranged in advanced through the Tokelau-Apia Liaison Office in Samoa.

[edit] Learn

[edit] Work

[edit] Stay safe

Tokelau lies in the Pacific typhoon belt.

[edit] Stay healthy

[edit] Respect

[edit] Contact

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