Niue

Niue is a self-governing state in free association with New Zealand, situated on a raised coral island in Polynesia. Its capital is Alofi.

Find Niue

● Capital · Gold highlights this card’s area.
Map: Natural Earth. Boundaries show geographic context, not a position on sovereignty. Small islands may use enlarged markers.

At a glance

Capital: Alofi
Languages: English & Niuean
Currency: New Zealand dollar (NZD)
Population: 1,5642022 Census · usual residents · Niue Statistics Office
Area: 260 km²100.39 square miles
Self-government: 1974In free association with New Zealand.

Niue in context

Oceania and its surrounding regions. The dot marks Alofi; the mapped territory is highlighted in gold.

Natural Earth · locator map

Geography & languages

Physical geography

Steep limestone cliffs along coast, central plateau.

Languages

Languages used in public life include English, Niuean.

Location

Oceania, island in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Tonga.

Flag

Yellow with the UK flag in the upper-left quadrant; the UK flag has five yellow five-pointed stars, with a large star on a blue disk in the center and smaller stars on each arm of the red cross

Sources: CIA World Factbook · archived profile · New Zealand MFAT · Niue · Niue Statistics Office · 2022 Census

History & status

Niue has a long Polynesian settlement history. It became a British protectorate in 1900 and was brought under New Zealand administration in 1901. In 1974, following a referendum, Niue became self-governing in free association with New Zealand. Niueans retain New Zealand citizenship, and a substantial Niuean community lives overseas.

1900
Niue becomes a British protectorate
1901
New Zealand administration begins
1974
Self-government in free association with New Zealand begins

Sources: CIA World Factbook · archived profile · New Zealand MFAT · Niue · Niue Statistics Office · 2022 Census

Economy

Main activities

Public services, support from New Zealand, tourism and small businesses underpin the economy. Farming, fishing and remittances also support households. A small resident population and limited transport links create high costs for infrastructure and imported goods. Tourism draws on the island’s raised coral landscape and marine environment.

Industry and production

Tourism, public services, farming, fishing and small-scale food and craft production.

Sources: CIA World Factbook · archived profile · New Zealand MFAT · Niue · Niue Statistics Office · 2022 Census

Population

1,564 · 2022 Census · usual residents · Niue Statistics Office

Sources: CIA World Factbook · archived profile · New Zealand MFAT · Niue · Niue Statistics Office · 2022 Census

The 2022 census counted 1,681 people present, of whom 1,564 regarded Niue as their usual residence. The at-a-glance figure uses the resident measure.

Government

A self-governing parliamentary state in free association with New Zealand. The elected Assembly chooses the head of government, who leads the Cabinet. Niue shares the New Zealand monarch. New Zealand provides economic and administrative assistance and assists with foreign affairs, defence and security when requested.

Sources: CIA World Factbook · archived profile · New Zealand MFAT · Niue · Niue Statistics Office · 2022 Census

Knowledge check

Three questions about Niue.

QUESTION 1 OF 3

What kind of landform is Niue?

Sources & notes

Sources: CIA World Factbook · archived profile · New Zealand MFAT · Niue · Niue Statistics Office · 2022 Census

Prepared 24 September 2026. World Bank series: SP.POP.TOTL (persons) and NY.GDP.MKTP.KD (constant 2015 US dollars); downloaded 24 September 2026, provider update 13 July 2026. UNDP values use the 2025 report and 2023 observation year. These are dated statistical snapshots, not live population or economic counters.

Maps use Natural Earth geographic data. Background geography, flag descriptions and selected historical facts use archived public-domain CIA World Factbook profiles, supplemented by the sources linked above. The Factbook is no longer updated; dated statistics here come from the separately named providers.