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Tokelau

General Information about Tokelau

Tokelau is a territory of New Zealand that is made up of three atolls; Atafu, Nukunonu and Fakaofo. Tokelau has a population of just under 1,500 people and is located in the South Pacific about halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand. Until 1976 Tokelau was called The Tokelau Islands and is still sometimes referred to as it's older name 'The Union Islands'.

The official languages spoken in Tokelau are Tokelauan (a Polyenisian language) and English. Religions vary on each atoll. On Atafu all inhabitants are members of the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa whereas all inhabitants of Nukunonu are Roman Catholic. The people of Fakaofo mainly belong to the Congregational Church of Samoa, but there are also some Roman Catholics. Tokelau has no capital city but each Atoll has it's own administrative centre. The name 'Tokelau' is the Polynesian word for 'north wind'.

Atafu is the smallest and most traditional of the three atolls of Tokelau. The population rely on olden-style canoes and live in traditional houses made from the native building wood Kanava. Fakaofo won the 'Tokelau Wars' of the 18th century and still refers to itself as the 'Chief Island'. Fakaofo features 62 islets, three churches and a coral slab of the ancient Polynesian god Tui Tokelau. Fakaofo has 580 inhabitants and is the most populated of Tokelau's three atolls. Nukunonu, which was named Duke of Clarence Island by Captain Edwards in 1791 is the largest of Tokelau's atolls and features 24 islets and the largest lagoon in Tokelau.

Climate

Find Out About The Climate Of Tokelau

The climate of the Tokelau islands is typically tropical with year round temperatures and is moderated by trade winds, mainly because of its proximity to the equator. If your planning on visiting during November and April then you should be prepared to experience some wet weather. Because Tokelau is located in the Pacific typhoon belt tropical storms and cyclones are a common occurrence. The climate of Tokelau is pleasant with warm temperature although the humdity levels can go quite high.

Geography

Geographical Information On Tokelau

Located within the South Pacific Ocean Tokelau part of the Oceania group which is a geographical region of archipelago's. Tokelau is a tiny group of atolls with a total area of 10 square kilometres and a coastline of just 101 kilometres. Most of the terrain is filled with low-lying coral atolls which enclose Tokelau's large lagoons. The highest point of Tokelau remains unnamed today and rises to just five metres. The three main islands of Tokelau are Atafu, Nukunonu and Fakaofo. Swains Island is the fourth island of Tokelau but is not politically connected to Tokelau but is geographically and historically.

Economy

Learn About The Economy Of Tokelau

Because of Tokelau's small size the economy is greatly restricted the agricultural industry being confined to subsistence level. The islands rely on economic aid from New Zealand and receives approximately $4 million each year. The main agricultural produces are coconuts, copra, papayas, bananas as well as pigs, poultry and goats. Tokelau like many small islands in the South Pacific has high sales of postage stamps, souvenir coins, and handicrafts. The official currency of Tokelau is the New Zealand Dollar.

Must Explore would like to wish you an enjoyable stay in Tokelau.

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