Niue

From Wikinfo

Niue is an island located in the South Pacific Ocean. It is commonly known as "Rock of Polynesia". Although it is self-governing, it is in free association with New Zealand. Niue is located 2,400 kilometres north-east of New Zealand in a triangle between Tonga, Samoa and the Cook Islands.

Niue

Image:Niue flag large.png	Coat of Arms

Image:LocationNiue.png

Official languages

Niuean, English

Capital

Alofi

New Zealand
High Commissioner

Sandra Lee

Premier

Young Vivian

Area
- Total
- % water

(not ranked)
260 km2
0

Population
- Total (2003)

(not ranked)
2,145

Establishment
- Date

Niue Constitution Act
19 October 1974

Currency

New Zealand dollar

Time zone

UTC -11

National anthem

None

Internet TLD

.NU

History

Main article: History of Niue

European involvement in Niue began in 1774 with Captain James Cook's sighting (landing was refused) of what he named Savage Island.

The next major arrival was the London Missionary Society in 1846. Briefly a protectorate, the UK's involvement was passed on in 1901 when New Zealand annexed the island. Independence in the form of self-government was granted by the New Zealand parliament in the 1974 constitution.

In January, 2004, Niue was hit by the fierce tropical storm Cyclone Heta which killed two people and did extensive damage to the entire island.

Politics

Main article: Politics of Niue

The Niue Constitution Act 1974 (NZ) vests executive authority in Her Majesty the Queen in Right of New Zealand and the Governor-General of New Zealand. In practice, the constitution specifies that in everyday practice, it is exercised by a Cabinet of the Premier of Niue and three other ministers. The premier and ministers must be members of the Niue Assembly, the nation's legislative assembly.

The assembly consists of twenty democratically elected members, fourteen by the electors of village constituencies. The remaining six are elected the same way, except several constituencies are combined for each seat. Electors must be New Zealand citizens resident for at least three months, and candidates must have been electors resident for twelve months. The speaker is elected from among the members.

Culture

Main article: Culture of Niue

Music of Niue

Geography

Main article: Geography of Niue

Image:Niue-cia-factbook-map.png

Niue is an island of a tropical climate located in the southern Pacific Ocean, east of Tonga. It is one of world's largest coral islands. The terrain of Niue consists of steep limestone cliffs along the coast with a central plateau. Most rainfall occurs between November and April.

The geographic cordinates of Niue are 19° 02′ S, 169° 52′ W.

Defence and Foreign affairs

Niue has been self-governing in free association with New Zealand since 1974; Niue is fully responsible for internal affairs; New Zealand retains responsibility for foreign affairs and defence; however, these responsibilities confer no rights of control and are only exercised at the request of the Government of Niue. Niue has no regular indigenous military forces.