Country Profile: Tokelau
Tokelau, a non-self-governing territory of New Zealand, consists of three low-lying coral atolls: Fakaofo, Atafu, and Nukunonu. With a population of approximately 2,453, the area is relatively sparsely populated, with 80% of Tokelauans residing in New Zealand. The economy is small and largely supported by remittances from abroad, and the territory relies heavily on New Zealand for funding, with local industries focused on crafts and fishing. Governance operates under a parliamentary democracy, with a traditional system alongside modern political structures.
Geography
Tokelau is situated in Oceania, approximately halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand in the South Pacific Ocean. The territory encompasses about 12 square kilometers across three atolls, each featuring large lagoons and a tropical climate moderated by trade winds. It is vulnerable to natural hazards such as cyclones and lacks any freshwater resources.
- 12 sq km total area
- 101 km of coastline
- 5 m highest elevation
- 200 nm exclusive economic zone
People and Society
The population of Tokelau is estimated at 2,453 as of 2024, with a gender distribution of 1,201 males and 1,252 females. The society is predominantly Tokelauan, with significant influences from Samoan and Tuvaluan cultures. The primary languages are Tokelauan and English, with a large proportion of the population adhering to Christianity.
- 0% urban population (2023)
- 99.7% of rural population has access to improved drinking water
- 1.67 physicians per 1,000 population (2021)
- 52% of women aged 15-49 are currently married (2023)
Economy
Tokelau's economy is small and primarily reliant on New Zealand for funding and employment opportunities, with many residents working abroad. Local enterprises focus on copra production, fishing, and handicrafts. The territory's infrastructure is largely solar-powered, enhancing its sustainability efforts.
- $12.658 million GDP (2017 est.)
- $6,004 GDP per capita (2017 est.)
- 24,324,473 in revenue (2017 est.)
- 60% of land used for agriculture (2022 est.)
Government
Tokelau operates under a parliamentary democracy as a territory of New Zealand, without a formal capital. Governance is executed through a unique rotation system among the three atolls, with the head of government and legislative functions rotating yearly. Tokelauans are citizens of New Zealand, which administers its defense and foreign relations.
- King CHARLES III is the head of state (since 2022)
- Esera Fofō Filipo Tuisano TUISANO serves as the head of government (since March 2025)
- 20 seats in the General Fono (unicameral legislature)
- Universally granted suffrage at 21 years of age
Military and Security
Defense responsibilities for Tokelau are managed by New Zealand, ensuring that the territory is protected under New Zealand's defense umbrella without an independent military force.
Communications
Tokelau has limited communication infrastructure, with a fixed-line telephone subscription rate of 22 per 100 inhabitants as of 2010. The population has access to some broadcast media, and internet usage reflects a growing engagement with technology.
- 58.3% of the population were internet users (2021)
- 300 fixed telephone subscriptions (2010)
- Each atoll operates its own radio service for local news (2019)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,453 (2024 est.) | |
| Area | 12 sq km | Total land area |
| GDP | $12.658 million (2017 est.) | Using NZD |
| GDP per capita | $6,004 (2017 est.) | |
| Agricultural land | 60% | Portion of total land (2022) |
| Physician density | 1.67 per 1,000 | (2021) |
| Urban population | 0% | Total population (2023) |
| Internet users | 58.3% | (2021) |
| Fixed telephone subscriptions | 300 | (2010) |
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