Niue is a country in Oceania. It is an island in the southern part Pacific Ocean, east of . The country borders the waters of Tonga, American Samoa and the Cook Islands. The area of this state is 260 thousand km. The coastline is 64 km long.
Niue Map
Niue's territory consists of steep limestone cliffs along the coast and a central plateau. This is one of the world's largest coral islands.
The country's tropical climate provides rich vegetation. Here, in the tropical forests, various types of coconut, yams, cassava, limes, etc. grow. You can also find a wide variety of taro, passion fruit, and sweet potatoes. Animal diversity is not very rich in this country. However, the fauna of various regions of Niue is represented by wild pigs, several types of dogs, rats, etc. The country's water bodies are also home to several species of fish. Natural resources: fish, arable land.
Niue's climate is tropical, varying with the southeast trade winds.
The capital of Niue is Alofi. There is no administrative-territorial division in the country. Niue is a self-governing parliamentary democracy. The head of state is Queen Elizabeth II (since February 6, 1952). Representatives of the government are also the Governor-General and the High Commissioner of New Zealand. The head of government is the prime minister. The monarchy is hereditary. The Prime Minister is elected by the Legislative Assembly for a term of three years.
The population is 1,190 people, mainly Niueans (66.5%), as well as immigrants from European, Asian and Pacific islands. Niue and English are the official languages. Religion: Congregational Christian Church of Niue (67%), Other Protestants (3%), Mormons (10%), Roman Catholics (10%), Jehovah's Witnesses (2%). Literacy by total population: 95%. Urbanization rate: 37.9%. The population density is 6.4 people/km².
The country's economy suffers from typical Pacific island problems: geographic isolation, few resources, small population. Government expenditures regularly exceed revenues. Subsidies from New Zealand are used to pay government employees' salaries. Niue has cut government spending by cutting the civil service by almost half. The agricultural sector mainly consists of subsistence horticulture, although some cash crops are grown for export. The industry consists mainly of small factories for the processing of passion fruit, lime and the production of coconut cream. The sale of postage stamps is an important source of income for foreign collectors. Efforts to expand GDP include: developing tourism and financial services. Economic assistance from New Zealand in 2008-2009 amounted to $5.7 million.
Exported goods: canned coconut cream, copra, honey, vanilla, passion fruit, papaya, root vegetables, soccer balls, stamps, handicrafts. Export partners: New Zealand, France and the Czech Republic. Imported goods: food, live animals, industrial products, machinery, fuel, lubricating oils, chemicals, medicines. Import partners: Nigeria, New Zealand, USA, Australia and.
The length of roads is 120 km. There is 1 airport in Niue.
Participation in international organizations: ACP, AOSIS, FAO, IFAD, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UNESCO, UPU, WHO, WMO.
The relief of Niue is quite often compared to a bowl or - with a bit of humor - to a hat (and in fact, it looks like it). Its soils have a rather complex geochemical composition. They are rich in iron phosphates, iron and aluminum oxides. They also contain radionuclides, but in concentrations that are not dangerous to humans. Thanks to their analysis, it was established that the island arose approximately 120 thousand years ago. Porous limestones formed many caves, often connected into entire complexes, with stalactites and stalagmites inside. Due to the porosity of the soil, there are no springs on the surface of Niue fresh water, it seeps through the ground and is extracted from wells. Tropical forests occupy the center of the island.
It is believed that Niue was first settled by people from Pukapuka, and this happened around the turn of the 9th-10th centuries. In the 16th century Another large group of people from Tonga settled here. Around this time, the tribes inhabiting Niue split into two warring groups: in the south, from the village of Alofi to the village of Liku, lived the Tafiti tribe, and in the rest of the island - the Motu tribe. The history of their constant strife, which, however, is contained only in local legends and songs, confirms the hypothesis of ethnologists that they were representatives of different ethnic groups. Until 1700, historians believe, there was no power hierarchy on the island, then “kings” appeared.
The island was discovered for Europe in 1774 by James Cook (1728-1779). But he failed to find mutual understanding with the local residents. Stones were thrown at the team, and during one of three attempts to meet the aborigines, Cook was hit in the shoulder with a spear. The islanders probably already knew that Europeans were bringing deadly diseases with them, which is why they were hostile. The British, however, also did not behave very friendly, suspecting that they were cannibals. The teeth and lips of the Niueans were red-brown, and the sailors decided that this was from human blood (in fact, from betel juice, which the natives chewed to maintain vigor).
The angry Cook named the part of the land he discovered Savage Island - “Island of Savages.” But the name did not catch on: in London it was considered unethical, replacing it with another - Niue. The full name of the island in the local dialect is Niue-fekai. There are many translation options for this word. "Niue" comes from "niu" - "coconut tree" and literally means "here is a coconut tree." Sometimes, however, “fekai” is translated as “cannibal,” but this is a clear substitution of concepts: there has never been cannibalism on the island; Moreover, not a single people in the world characterizes itself negatively. One of the ancient names of Niue is Nuku-tu-taha, which can be translated as “Lonely standing island" By the way, there are very few Niue language experts in the world. Most of all, it is similar to the Tongan group of Austronesian languages, and has borrowings from the Maori languages and tribes inhabiting Samoa and Hawaii.
Europeans appeared on the island again only in 1846, these were preachers of the London Missionary Society. They were also met with hostility, and they took three young men with them to Samoa to study theology. One of them, Nukai Peniamin, is considered the first preacher of Christianity in Niue.
In 1887, King Fataaiki turned to Queen Victoria of Great Britain with a request to take Niue under her protectorate. Consent was given in 1900. But a year later, which supported Britain in the Boer Wars, received carte blanche from London to annex the island. Niue acquired the status of a self-governing state of the British Commonwealth in free association with New Zealand (that is, essentially independence) in 1974.
The island of Niue, a coral atoll on top of a submerged volcano, is located in the South Pacific Ocean (Polynesia) in a conventional triangle between the island groups of Tonga (480 km to the west), Samoa (560 km to the northwest), Cook (1087 km to the east). New Zealand is located 2400 km southwest of Niue. The relief of the island is determined by two tiers. The upper one is a limestone plateau with an area of about 60 km 2, its average height in the center is 30 m, at the edges - 63 m. The lower one is a terrace with an average width of 100-200 and a maximum of 500 m, encircling the perimeter of the island. The island's 200-mile economic zone includes significant coral reefs located to the southeast of it: Antiope (180 km), Beveridge (240 km) and Haran (294 km) - and other smaller reefs. 
Residents of the island are constantly faced with a difficult choice: leave or stay? Most Niueans prefer to live away from their homeland.
Niue is in the same conditions as many of the islands of Polynesia - remoteness from major centers of civilization, scarcity of its own resources for development, an acute shortage of jobs, and the constant threat of hurricanes. If remoteness can sometimes be considered a blessing, then the lack of work is a circumstance of what is called force majeure. The diaspora of people from Niue in New Zealand is more than 20 thousand people. This seems like a paradox - there has never been so much population on the island in the foreseeable past, but we must keep in mind that migration from the island began at the end of the 19th century. and these 20 thousand are for the most part descendants of several previous generations, who, however, consider themselves Niueans.
The population of the island is not constant. Here's why: natives of Niue often visit their relatives and, while visiting, are counted as residents. According to the local government, 1,611 people lived on the island in 2011; estimates from other sources, including the CIA, vary, but do not exceed 1,500 residents. The official 2006 census recorded 1,625 people. and a decrease in population compared to the 2001 census by 163 people. The last exodus from the island occurred after 2004, when (this happened on January 8) it was covered by the powerful hurricane Heta. The wind force reached 300 km/h, waves up to 15 m high hit the shore. People were warned and, holding children in their arms, fled deep into the island, abandoning their houses. And they returned to the piles of rubble. There were fatalities and serious injuries. Many countries around the world then took part in the fate of the victims.
And to this day, Niue regularly receives financial assistance from abroad. The public servants' wage bill is made up entirely of grants from New Zealand, but they are shrinking, which means you have to rely more on yourself and your own economy. Funds to develop Niue's economy now come mainly from the European Development Fund (EDF) and the EU fund. Until now, electricity on the island is generated by diesel generators, and Europe has allocated 3.3 million euros to the project for the development of renewable energy sources alone. Funds are also being invested in expanding state-owned vanilla plantations: demand for it on the world market is consistently high, and Niue may well significantly expand this item of its export, which is still small. For some time, the state of Niue took steps to become an offshore zone, but Western financial institutions, not interested in tax preferences for New Zealand, the main client of Niuean banks, stopped these attempts. Nowadays Niue belongs to the so-called gray offshores, which do not have all the rights of offshore zones: registering a business here is easier than in many other places, but hopes for minimizing taxes are in vain. In 2003, Niue became the first territory in the world to provide free access to the Internet via Wi-Fi technology to everyone (throughout the territory), and no one will take away this championship.
It would be wrong to think that the people of Niue are depressed because of their problems. On the contrary, they are cheerful and enthusiastically celebrate various festivals, as they call any holiday here. Each village has its own festival: songs, dances, theatrical performances. State and religious calendar dates are celebrated on a grand scale, and sports competitions are also held on these days: rugby (among men's and women's teams), golf and darts. Tourists who come to Niue for diving and yachting are pleasantly surprised by the local cuisine, which has earned a reputation as exquisite among discerning gourmets. Niueans cook mainly fish and vegetarian dishes; meat is used extremely rarely.
general information
An island state in free association with New Zealand on the island of the same name in the South Pacific Ocean (Polynesia).Self-governing state status: since 1974
Administrative division: 13 districts, equivalent to the territories of 13 villages (until recently there were 14).
Administrative center: village Alofi (Alofis) - 581 people. (2006 census).
Languages: English, Niuean.
Ethnic composition: Niue people, formed from immigrants from Tonga, Samoa and Pukapuka (an island in the Northern group of the Cook Archipelago) - 91.7%; Anglo-New Zealanders - 7.3%; Chinese - 0.9%, others -0.1%.
Religions: parishioners of Ekalesia-Niue (Protestant Congregational Church) - 62%, Catholics - 9%, adherents of other Christian faiths - 19%, atheists - 10%.
Currency unit: New Zealand dollar.
Major airport: Hannan International Airport in Alofi.
Numbers
Area: 261.46 km2.Population: 1611 people. (2011, Niue Government data).
Population density: 6.2 people/km 2 .
Highest point: unnamed hill near Mutalau village (68 m).
Maximum width: 18 km.
Length coastline
: 64 km.
Climate and weather
Subequatorial marine, monsoon.Average January temperature: +26°С.
Average temperature in July: +22°С.
Average annual precipitation: 2180 m.
During the rainy season, up to 3100 mm of precipitation falls; during the dry season, their level can be reduced to 140 mm.
The island is located in the southern part of the Pacific tropical hurricane belt.
Economy
GDP: $7.6 million (2006).
GDP per capita: $5800 (2003).
Financial assistance from New Zealand, the EU and other international organizations and funds.
Transfers to relatives from Niueans working mainly in New Zealand.
Fishing (main commercial fish- tuna).
Agriculture: mostly natural; Taro, cassava, coconuts, yams, noni (Morinda citrus foliage), lime, passion fruit and other tropical plants are grown, and pigs are raised. Residents of the island catch coconut crabs (another name for them is palm thief). Valuable varieties of wood, copra, and honey are exported to New Zealand, and the export of vanilla, noni and taro is developing.
Industry: small factories processing coconuts (copra, butter, cream), as well as producing lime oil and packaging honey.
Trade in collectible coins and stamps.
Service sector: banking services, tourism.
Attractions
■ Alofi: Several traditional canoe landings, one of which, Opahi Landing, is said to be the site where James Cook made one of his three attempts to land on the island in 1774; Cultural Center Huanaki with a museum, Ecalesia Church (Tomb Point). Two headstones near the church fence mark the graves of two kings of the island - Tuitoga (reigned 1876-1887) and Fataaiki (1888-1896), Fale Fono (Parliament House), two small caponiers, called the Old Fort, at Halagigie Point, and the New Fort, or simply the Fort, between the hospital and the old New Zealand Commission building.
■ 4.5 km north of Alofi, near Makapu Point, is the main local shrine - the tomb of Nukai Peniamin, as well as an experimental farm - a center for animal husbandry and plant research.
■ 7 km from Alofi is the Avaiki Cave - according to local legend, the first settlers of Niue landed here. A little further is the Papaha cave (near the village of the same name), near which is the best beach of the island - Khio.
■ 10 km from Alofi - the Limu Pools caves (Ana Maara), then the Matapa Chasm and Talawa cave complexes.
■ On the northeast coast - the caves of Lakepa, Anatoloa, Talis Cave, and the uninhabited village of Fatiau Tuai.
■ Beveridge Coral Reef.
Curious facts
■ On 14 July 2011, ISO (the International Organization for Standardization, developer and publisher of International Standards) amended its registry regarding Niue. Before this, the state of Niue was listed as a republic, but in reality it was not a republic.■ In August 2005, Australian mining company Yamama Goldfields announced that there were likely to be significant uranium reserves on the island and was beginning drilling to further explore the deposit, only to admit in October that this was an “overly optimistic estimate.”
■ Niue and New Zealand are separated by the international date line, which runs along the 180° meridian (with some deviations in places). The time difference between them is therefore 23 hours during winter in the Southern Hemisphere and 24 hours when New Zealand switches to daylight saving time.
■ The export of plants and animals under state protection, as well as products made of leather, bones, bird feathers, shells, corals, etc., is prohibited from Niue.
Niue is an island formation located in the South Pacific Ocean, in Polynesia, east of Tongo. The full name, which is used only on official occasions and national folklore, is Niue-fekai. The second name of the territory that is the possession of New Zealand is Savage (Savage Island). It received this name in 1774 when James Cook discovered it to Europeans. Coral Island, with a population of only 1.8 thousand people, covers an area of about 260 km2. It is the largest single raised atoll in the world. The administrative center of Niue is the village of Alofi.
Niue on the world map
The hilly topography of the island of Niue, which has the shape of a bowl with raised edges about 70 meters high and a central 30-meter part, indicates that in the past the island was active volcano, who went under water. The coast of Niue is rugged with rocks, cliffs and caves. The island is surrounded by a massive reef.
Niue's climate is quite hot and moderately humid. Here you can clearly see the presence of two distinct seasons: hot, humid (November-March) and dry, cool (April-October), with sea breezes, cool nights and warm days. The location of the island in the tropical cyclone belt, the zone of southeastern trade winds, provokes the formation of strong storm winds and destructive cyclones, causing significant damage to the country's economy.
The relatively small island is divided into 13 administrative districts, each of which has its own center - the village of the same name. The low standard of living, distance from large states and lack of industry in Niue contribute to the gradual migration of the population. Due to the constant outflow of islanders, the population here has almost tripled over the past 40 years.
According to the constitution adopted in 1974, legislative power in Niue belongs to the Legislative Assembly, and executive power is vested in the Cabinet of Ministers. The head of state is the British Queen Elizabeth, who is represented on the island by the Governor-General of New Zealand.
Map of Niue in Russian
The state's economy is based on banana cultivation and copra production. Crafts and ecotourism contribute little to the economic opportunities of the islanders, contributing to their well-being. Locals grow a number of crops that are exported to New Zealand.
A quiet and secluded island of the Great Ocean - Niue, specializing in extreme tourism and diving, is little known to modern travelers. The picturesque surroundings of the island, exotic vegetation, traditional crafts and trades form the basis of its national flavor.
Niue is a country in Polynesia that has not yet been explored by tourists. But we cannot say that this is some kind of “terra incognita”. Despite the almost complete absence of tourist infrastructure, New Zealanders, as well as a small number of Canadians and US residents, like to relax here. But these are mostly extreme sports enthusiasts who want to try themselves in the role of a modern Miklouho-Maclay. Because the disastrous breath of globalization barely reaches this island lost in the vastness of the Pacific Ocean. Most of its territory is an impenetrable jungle. There is only a ring road along the coast (sometimes three and a half meters wide), and two highways connecting the eastern and western parts of the island. In this dwarf state there is only one town - Alofi (also the capital), which is two merged villages. What are tourists looking for in Niue? How to get there, where to stay and what to see, read in this article.
Where is Niue located?
Niue is an island country, or more precisely, a raised coral atoll. The dwarf state is located in Polynesia, in the Pacific Ocean, between the equator and the South Tropic. The island is quite remote from other archipelagos. The closest islands of Tonga lie 480 kilometers to the west. To the east is the Cook Archipelago. The closest island to Niue, Rarotong, is 930 kilometers away. In the northwest is the Samoan archipelago. Niue is an independent state entity in free association with New Zealand. In addition to the land, the state also owns three underwater seas, Beveridge, Antiop and Herens. They are exposed only at low tide. Area of Niue Island - 261.46 square kilometers. The highest point (unnamed, near the village of Mutalau) reaches 68 meters above sea level. These figures make Niue a record holder: the largest single and highest atoll in the world.
History and political system
Niue is a country that appeared on the world map in 1974. The atoll began to be populated in the first centuries by immigrants from Polynesia. The first European to arrive on the island's shores was James Cook (in 1774). The natives greeted him with hostility, which is why the navigator gave the atoll the name “Savage” - “Savages”. In 1900, she took the island under her protectorate. But a year later it was annexed by New Zealand. When in the second half of the twentieth century it became unprestigious to have colonies, the metropolis transferred freedom of self-government to Niue. At the same time, residents of the atoll have the right to New Zealand citizenship. Since 1974, Niue has been a self-governing state entity in collaboration with the former colonialist. Niue is a member country of the South Pacific Commission and the Polynesian Islands Forum. As for government system, then it is a constitutional monarchy.
How to get there, where to stay
Until recently, none of the Russian tour operators sent travelers on vacation to Niue. The country, whose photos look like illustrations of an earthly paradise, is not experiencing an influx of foreigners. An interesting fact is that eighteen and a half thousand Niueans live in New Zealand, while on the island itself the population is only 1,600 people (by this indicator, Niue is the third most sparsely populated country in the world after Tokelau and Pitcairn). But what kind of people these are! The only flight from Auckland that the local airport can handle is greeted by the population with songs and dances. A real show is playing out before the eyes of a few discouraged tourists. Moreover, it includes local passengers who returned home from “ big land». Good hotels there are two on the atoll: Matavai and Namukulu Cottages. They need to be booked in advance. There are several other hotels that are simpler.
How to prepare for a trip
The ancient name of the island - Savage (Savage) - is to some extent justified even now. Those tourists who have visited the atoll recommend stocking up on cash before flying from Auckland to Niue. The country whose money does not have a single ATM on its territory. Public transport, by the way, too. In good hotels, guests are given free bicycles. The entire territory of Niue is covered by broadband Internet. But Wi-Fi in hotels costs ten New Zealand dollars per day. All local schoolchildren are given laptops in educational institutions. So in the field of IT technologies, Niueans are ahead of the rest. There should not be a language barrier for tourists. On the atoll, both young and old speak excellent English. It is the second official language.
Climate
Niue is an island located in equatorial latitudes. Therefore, the climate here is hot and humid. There are two seasons in a year. From November to March it is summer here. It is hot and very humid. Tropical cyclones often sweep through, causing damage to the island's already poorly developed infrastructure. The most destructive was Typhoon Geta, from which Niue (the country) suffered greatly in 2005. The dollar did not fall as much during the global period as the temperature decreases during the dry season (April-October). The atoll lies in the path of the southeast trade winds. Strong winds swell the sea and strong storms begin. This period is characterized by sunny and warm days, but rather cool nights. Beach holidays are not particularly developed on the atoll, since there are few bays here, the bottom is shallow and coral, and you can only swim in special shoes. By the way, there are no rivers or even streams on the island. Everything comes from It can be drunk even from the tap.
Sights of Niue
The main wealth of the country is its paradise nature. The government pays great attention to its protection. The tiny atoll has several nature reserves. Tourists recommend going to Huvalu - this is a virgin forest with an area of 54 square meters. km. It occupies the central and eastern parts of the island and is located between the villages of Hakupu and Liku. Further south, another park begins - Hakupu Heritage and Cultural Park. It is included in the list cultural heritage humanity, since here are the burial places and remains of the dwellings of the ancient inhabitants of the island. The water area from Cape Makapu is also under state protection. Niue's currency, the New Zealand dollar, should not mislead you regarding prices. In this former colony, everything is slightly more expensive than in the metropolis. And this is justified: products (except coconuts, taro and cassava) are flown to the atoll by plane.
Niue- an island and state entity of the same name in free association with New Zealand in the South Pacific Ocean, in Polynesia, east of the Tonga Islands. It borders the territorial waters of American Samoa, the Cook Islands and Tonga. Land area - 261.46 km². Population - 1679 people (2006). The capital is the village of Alofi (or Alophis).
The island was discovered by Europeans in 1774 by British navigator James Cook, who named it Savage, or "Island of Savages". Niue became a protectorate in 1900 British Empire, and in 1901 was annexed by New Zealand. In 1974, Niue became a self-governing state entity with New Zealand. Niue is a member of the South Pacific Commission and the Pacific Islands Forum.
Complete modern name islands - Niue-fekai (Niue Niuē-fekai), which is used only on formal occasions, songs. It consists of two components: the word niue formed from a noun niu(translated as "coconut palm") and translates as " here is a coconut tree»; fekai translated as " cannibal", although cannibalism did not exist on the island.
However, the oldest name for Niue is Nuku-tu-taha (Niue Nuku-tu-taha), which was given, according to local legends, by the discoverer of the island named Huanaki (Niue Huanaki) and which can be translated from the Niue language as "lonely island". Other historical names - Motu-te-fua (Niue Motu-te-fua, which translates to "island without fruit"), Fakahoa-motu (Niue Fakahoa-motu), Nuku-tuluea (Niue Nuku-tuluea). All these names have fallen out of use and can only be found in Niuean legends and songs.
Other historical name Niue, Savage (English) Savage Island), is associated with the name of the famous English navigator James Cook, who became the first European discoverer of the island. Translated from English this name translates as "Island of Savages". This is due to the fact that the English traveler was met with hostility by the local natives.
Geography
The national formation of Niue consists of the eponymous raised coral atoll and three underwater reefs located in the Pacific Ocean in Polynesia between the equator and the Tropic of Capricorn. Niue Island is located approximately 480 km east of the Tonga Islands, 930 km west of Rarotonga, the main island of the Cook Islands, and approximately 2400 km northeast of Auckland. largest city New Zealand. The closest archipelagos are the Tonga (Friendship) Islands, which belong to the state of the same name and are located to the west of the island of Niue, and the Samoan archipelago, which lies to the northwest and belongs to Samoa and American (Eastern) Samoa.
Niue has a total area of 261.46 km², making it the largest single raised atoll in the world. The highest point of the island, an unnamed hill near the village of Mutalau, reaches 68 m.
Climate
Niue's climate is hot and moderately humid. Due to the lack of mountains and small area climatic conditions almost the same throughout the island. There are two distinct seasons: a hot wet season from November to March, characterized by high temperatures and humidity and coinciding with the cyclone season, and a cooler dry season from April to October with warm sunny days, cool nights and strong breezes.
The average annual temperature in Niue varies slightly. The maximum daily temperature in January-February is 30 °C, in July-August - 26 °C. The average annual precipitation is about 2180 mm, although in the rainy season it can sometimes reach 3300 mm, and in the dry months 80-140 mm. The bulk of precipitation falls in January-March. Droughts of varying lengths occur at any time of the year, but most occur during the dry season. Prevailing winds blow from east to south and are influenced by the southeast trade wind zone, which lies on the edge of the tropical cyclone belt.
Niue Island is located in the southern part of the tropical cyclone belt and in the zone of southeast trade winds, as a result of which strong storms are observed on the island from April to October. Destructive cyclones hit Niue every ten years.
Flora and fauna
The island of Niue is home to 629 species of vascular plants, 175 of which are native. In general, there are two large areas certain vegetation: tropical forests of the interior of Niue and coastal flora. A significant part of the island is covered with bushes, only a few hectares of land are covered with virgin forests.
Niue's vegetation has been subject to significant anthropogenic influence. Virgin forests remain only in the central part of the island, in the east and southeast. They mainly contain tall trees, with a small amount of shrubs and grass cover in the lower tier of the forest. The largest forest on the island is called Huvalu, and any human activity there is strictly prohibited. Much of Niue is covered with secondary forest, which contains more flora than primary forests. In places where agricultural activities are carried out, small thickets form.
In inland forests, the most common tree species are lat. Syzgium inophylloides, lat. Syzgium richii. Among other plants, lat. Dysoxylum forsteri, lat. Planchonella torricellensis, lat. Pomentia pinnata, lat. Macaranga seemanii and lat. Fiscus prolixa. The lower layer of vegetation is dominated by lat. Polyscias multijuga, lat. Streblus anthropophagourm, lat. Merremia peltate and different types of ferns.
The coastal zone mainly grows the same plants as the inland region of Niue. However, their distinguishing feature is stunted growth. On the shore there are numerous shrubs, including lat. Barringtonia asiatica, lat. Capparis cordifolia, lat. Timonius polygamu, lat. Ochrosia oppositifolia, lat. Pandanus tectorius, lat. Scaeveola taccada and lat. Messerchmidia argentea.
Terrestrial mammals are represented mainly by introduced species: dogs, pigs and cats. The only native land mammal on Niue is the Tongan flying fox. Pteropus tonganus), plays an important role in the island's ecosystem: it pollinates a significant proportion of local plants. However, deforestation and unauthorized hunting lead to a decrease in the number of this animal.
The island is home to 31 species of birds, none of which are endemic, but subspecies of the spotted larva-eater. Lalage maculosa) and the Polynesian starling (eng. Aplonis tabuensis) are endemic - lat. Lalage maculosa whitmeei and lat. Aplonis tabuensis brunnescens.
The coastal waters of Niue are also home to the endemic venomous flat-tailed snake - lat. Laticauda schystorhyncha(local name - catuali).
The Government of Niue places significant emphasis on the protection environment, and there are several nature reserves located on the island. The largest of them is Huvalu Forest Conservation Area, located in the eastern part of the island between the villages of Liku and Hakupu and on the territory of which about 188 thousand animals live. The area of the reserve is 54 km². South of the village of Hakupu is located Hakupu Heritage Site and Cultural Park(English) Hakupu Heritage and Cultural Park), on the territory of which there are a number of burial places and dwellings of ancient Niueans, as well as a protection zone for flying foxes " Tauga-Peka"(Niue Tauga Peka). South of Cape Makapu is located Anono Marine Reserve(formerly known as Namoui). The area of the reserve is 27.67 hectares.
Population
The main factor determining the demographic situation in Niue is the process of migration of the local population. Due to the increased outflow of population to other countries (mainly to New Zealand), population growth on the island is negative. Until 1930, Niue experienced significant population growth, and in 1966 the historical maximum population was reached - 5,194 people. However, starting this year, there was a decline in population. In 1994, for the first time in thirty years, population growth was noted, followed by depopulation again.
The process of migration from the island of Niue has a long history. Since the mid-19th century, Niueans were exported by Europeans to various plantations: the islanders worked on cotton plantations in Samoa and mined phosphorites in Eastern Polynesia. But only after the end of World War II did the process of emigration from the island of Niue take on modern shape. New Zealand, Australia and the United States, which at that time needed labor due to significant economic growth, accepted the Niuans without any problems. The opening of an international airport on Niue in 1971, as well as granting the island in 1974 the status of a self-governing state entity in free association with New Zealand (this meant granting the islanders New Zealand citizenship) significantly facilitated the process of emigration of the indigenous population of Niue. The main factors for the outflow of the population were: economic (higher standard of living in New Zealand, high employment, wages, higher level of education), geographical (Niue is a small island located far from continents and large archipelagos; lack of land and other important resources; frequent destructive tropical cyclones causing irreparable damage to local infrastructure and agriculture), political (in the past, close colonial relations with New Zealand; population dissatisfaction with the political situation on the island).
According to the 2006 census (data from the Niue Department of Statistics), the country's population was 1,625 people (the entire population staying on the island during the census was counted, including residents and non-residents; if residents were abroad, they were not counted in the census). By 2009, the CIA estimated that figure had dropped to 1,398. The rate of population decline in Niue is high compared to other countries in Oceania: 0.032% according to a 2009 estimate. The 2006 census showed a decrease in population by 9% compared to the 2001 census data, that is, by 163 people.
For statistical purposes, population counts are carried out by settlement. In 2006, the largest settlement by population was the village of Alofi, which unites two villages: South Alofi(434 people) and North Alofi(147 people). The second most populous settlement is the village. Avatele(164 people). Namukulu- the smallest village of the island (only 14 people). Only in three populated areas Population increases were recorded compared to 2001 in Avatela (31% increase), South Alofi (21% increase) and Tamakautog (12% increase). In other settlements, population decline was noted. The largest declines were in Alofi North (43%), Mutalau (36%) and Makefu and Nakupu (29% each). The main cause of depopulation, as before, remains emigration to New Zealand, although the population size of North Alofi was caused by changes in the boundaries of the village.
A large diaspora of people from Niue exists in New Zealand. In 2001, 20,100 Niueans were registered in this country (about 9% of the number of Oceanian peoples living in New Zealand). The majority (78%) lived in Auckland, 5% in Wellington.
In 2006, men made up 46.5% (756 people), women - 53.5% (782 people). The share of children under 14 years old in 2006 was 24.9%, adults from 15 to 64 years old - 63.2%, over 64 years old - 11.9%. The average life expectancy of the population in 1997 was 69.5 years.
Ethnic composition
Niue's population is homogeneous: according to the 2006 census, 81% of resident residents (or 1,538 people) were Niueans (members of the indigenous Polynesian people, whose ancestors are believed to have sailed to the island from Tonga, Samoa and Pukapuka), 11% (172 people) ) - people from other islands of Oceania (mainly Tongans, Tuvaluans, Samoans and Fijians), 3% - Europeans, 2.6% - Asians, 2.6% - people from other countries and regions.
According to the 2001 census, the share of Niueans was 80.6%, people from other islands of Oceania - 10.5%, Caucasians - 4.7%, Mongoloids - 0.2% The number of people from marriages of Niueans and residents of other Pacific Islands - 2 .4%, and from Niueans and Caucasians - 1.6%.
Languages
In addition to English, the country's official language is Niuean, one of the many languages of the Polynesian group of Austronesian languages, along with Hawaiian, Maori, Samoan, Tahitian and others. Together with the Tongan language, Niue forms the Tongan subgroup of the Polynesian group of languages. The written language was created in the first half of the 19th century by Christian missionaries originally from Samoa. The total number of native Tongan speakers in 1998 was 7,990.
The language uses the Latin alphabet. It consists of only 17 letters: 5 vowels and 12 consonants. The length of vowel sounds plays a big role in oral speech, which can change the meaning of a word. In writing, longitude is indicated by a macron. The Niuean language is represented by two dialects: motu(dialect of the northern part of the island, it is more ancient) and tafiti(dialect of the southern part of the island, more modern). The difference between them mainly lies in the methods of word formation and vocabulary (for example, kautoga on motu and lala In Tafiti they mean “guava”).
According to the 2006 census, the vast majority of island residents (72%) say they regularly communicate in Niuean. 18% of respondents indicated that they use it often, and only 3% do not speak it at all. Moreover, for two-thirds of the inhabitants, the Niuean language is their first language, which they learn from childhood, 12% of the islanders learn both Niuean and English from childhood, and only 9% of Niueans English language is their first language. In the majority of households (43%), residents communicate in both Niuean and English.
Religion
The dominant religion on the island of Niue is Christianity. The first Christian missionary to Niue, who landed there in 1830, was a member of the London Missionary Society, John Williams. Although he did not remain on the island, he took with him two Niueans to study at the missionary school, who, after returning to Niue, took up educational activities. In general, the process of Christianization of the population proceeded rather slowly and was accompanied by discontent among the population due to the fact that missionaries brought a number of previously unknown diseases to the island, due to which a large number of islanders died.
According to the 2006 census, 62% of the islanders (or 956 people) are followers of the Protestant Congregational Christian Church of Niue. ), 9% (138 people) are Catholics, 8% (127 people) are Mormons, 2% (28 people) are Jehovah's Witnesses. Among other faiths (this is about 9% of the population) there are Methodists, Seventh-day Adventists, Baha'is, Sikhs, Hindus, as well as followers of other Christian teachings. In the census, 3% of residents indicated that they were atheists, and 7% did not indicate their religion.
Congregational Christian Church of Niue Congregational Christian Church of Niue listen)) is the largest Christian church in Niue, which is a local branch of the London Missionary Society and became autonomous in 1970. In 1996, it opened its representative office in the New Zealand city of Auckland, where a large Niuean diaspora lives.
Transport
Bad transport connection imposes significant restrictions on the development of trade relations with the countries of Oceania and the whole world, as well as tourism.
A 64-kilometer road stretches along the coast of the island, passing through 13 villages of Niue. There are also two main roads running through the center of the island (total length is about 230 km). Most roads are paved and maintained by road services to a very high level.
There are no natural bays on the island. However, the village of Alofi has a pier, which can only be approached by small ships.
Niue's Hannan International Airport was built in 1970 and was subsequently expanded in 1994 to accommodate Boeing 737 aircraft. Regular flights to the island are provided by the New Zealand airline " Air New Zealand».
There is no public transport on the island; most residents move around the island in their own cars.
Tourism
Although the tourism sector in Niue is in its infancy, tourism development on the island is one of the government's priorities. The main limitations for the development of tourism are very poor air connections with other countries of the world and the almost complete absence of developed tourism infrastructure.
In 2002, 3,155 people visited Niue. The island is mainly visited by citizens of New Zealand, Australia, European countries, the USA and Canada.
- Niue is the largest and highest raised atoll in the world.
- In 1996, there were 2,089 Niueans living in Niue and 18,474 Niueans living in New Zealand.
- Niue's Internet domain, .nu, was registered by an American businessman William Semich, who back in 1997 approached ICANN and received the rights to administer it and sell names, providing in return the residents of Niue with free access to the Internet. Annual turnover of Semicha's company NU Domain is about $4 million.
- According to Computerra magazine, Niue's Internet domain, .nu, has attracted exploiters and is attracting scammers with its anonymous registration.
- On August 21, 2008, every Niuean junior and senior high school student received an XO laptop distributed through the initiative. One Laptop Per Child. The OLPC administration donated 500 laptops to the island state.
- August 3, 2011 at an altitude of 20 km. meteorite exploded
