Tokelau

Tokelau is a New Zealand territory made up of three low-lying atolls: Atafu, Nukunonu and Fakaofo. It has no single capital.

Find Tokelau

● Atoll locations · Gold highlights this card’s area.
Map: Natural Earth. Boundaries show geographic context, not a position on sovereignty. Small islands may use enlarged markers. Dots identify the three atolls, not a national capital.

At a glance

Administration: No single capitalVillage councils govern Atafu, Nukunonu and Fakaofo. National leadership rotates.
Languages: Tokelauan & English
Currency: New Zealand dollar (NZD)
Population: 1,4582022 · population reported in New Zealand MFAT’s country plan
Area: 12 km²4.63 square miles
Status: New Zealand territoryVillage-based self-government; not independent.

Tokelau in context

Oceania and its surrounding regions. Dots mark the three atolls; the mapped territory is highlighted in gold.

Natural Earth · locator map

Geography & languages

Physical geography

Low-lying coral atolls enclosing large lagoons.

Languages

Tokelauan is the main community language. English is also used in administration and education.

Location

Oceania, group of three atolls in the South Pacific Ocean, about one-half of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand. Village councils govern Atafu, Nukunonu and Fakaofo. National leadership rotates.

Flag

A stylized yellow Tokelauan canoe on a dark blue field sails toward four white five-pointed stars on the left side

Sources: CIA World Factbook · archived profile · Tokelau Government · geography · New Zealand MFAT · Tokelau · New Zealand MFAT · country plan

History & status

Tokelau’s three atolls developed distinct village communities linked by a shared Polynesian culture. New Zealand took over administration in 1926, and the Tokelau Act placed the islands under New Zealand sovereignty in 1948. Referendums in 2006 and 2007 on self-government in free association did not reach the required two-thirds majority. Village councils continue to play a central role in public life.

1926
New Zealand takes over administration
1948
The Tokelau Act places the islands under New Zealand sovereignty
2006
The first self-determination referendum falls short of the required majority
2007
A second referendum also falls short of the required majority

Sources: CIA World Factbook · archived profile · Tokelau Government · geography · New Zealand MFAT · Tokelau · New Zealand MFAT · country plan

Economy

Main activities

Fishing access revenue and support from New Zealand fund much of the public sector. Local fishing, coconut cultivation, small businesses and remittances support households. There is no airport, so sea transport is essential for supplies and travel. Limited land and freshwater resources make environmental and infrastructure planning important.

Industry and production

Fishing, coconut production, small businesses and public services.

Sources: CIA World Factbook · archived profile · Tokelau Government · geography · New Zealand MFAT · Tokelau · New Zealand MFAT · country plan

Population

1,458 · 2022 · population reported in New Zealand MFAT’s country plan

Sources: CIA World Factbook · archived profile · Tokelau Government · geography · New Zealand MFAT · Tokelau · New Zealand MFAT · country plan

Government

A non-self-governing territory of New Zealand with substantial village-based administration. Each atoll has a village council, and elected representatives sit in the General Fono. The Ulu, or national leader, rotates annually among the three Faipule. New Zealand retains constitutional responsibilities through an Administrator.

Sources: CIA World Factbook · archived profile · Tokelau Government · geography · New Zealand MFAT · Tokelau · New Zealand MFAT · country plan

Knowledge check

Three questions about Tokelau.

QUESTION 1 OF 3

Which currency is listed for Tokelau?

Sources & notes

Sources: CIA World Factbook · archived profile · Tokelau Government · geography · New Zealand MFAT · Tokelau · New Zealand MFAT · country plan

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.