Niue

Niue , coral island (2004 pop. 1,761), c.100 sq mi (260 sq km), South Pacific, freely associated with New Zealand. Alofi is the capital. The inhabitants are mainly Protestant Polynesians. Niue, once known as Savage Island, has fertile soil and exports coconut cream, copra, honey, vanilla, and fruit. Fishing, tourism, and the sale of postage stamps to foreign collectors are also important to the economy. The island, which is heavily dependent on aid from New Zealand, has an autonomous internal government, established under the Consitution Act of 1974. There is a premier and a 20-seat Legislative Assembly, whose members are popularly elected for three-year terms. Declining population threatens Niue's economic health and the survival of its language; Polynesians of Niuean descent in New Zealand outnumber Niueans ten to one. A cyclone devastated the island in Jan., 2004. In 2006, Australia, New Zealand, and Niue established a trust fund to provide long-term revenues for the island's economic development.

Niue Island territory in the s Pacific Ocean, 2160km (1340mi) ne of New Zealand; the capital is Alofi. The largest coral island in the world, Niue was first visited by Europeans in 1774. In 1901, it was annexed to New Zealand. In 1974, it achieved self-government in free association with New Zealand. The island is prone to hurricanes and tropical rainstorms. Its economy is mainly agricultural. The major export is coconut. Area: 260sq km (100sq mi). Pop. (2000) 2000.

http://www.niueisland.com

Niue A Polynesian island in the Pacific. It was annexed by New Zealand and administered as part of the Cook Islands in 1901. In 1904 it was granted a separate New Zealand resident commissioner. In 1974, a new Constitution transformed it into a self-governing Associated Territory, with New Zealand responsible for foreign affairs and defence. It is a member of the Pacific Forum.