Niue is an island country in the South Pacific Ocean, 2,400 kilometers northeast of New Zealand. It is one of the world's largest coral islands. It is home to approximately 1,400 people and is the world's smallest self-governing state. The island has lush tropical rainforest and is known for its abundant bird life. The island was originally settled by Polynesians in the 14th century. In the 19th century, it was annexed by the British Empire, becoming part of the colony of New Zealand in 1901. In 1974, the people of Niue gained independence and it is now a self-governing state in free association with New Zealand. Niue is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations and the United Nations.
Niue is a Polynesian island located in the South Pacific Ocean, about 1,500 miles northeast of New Zealand. It is the world’s smallest independent nation, with a population of about 1,400. The island was first settled by Polynesians from Samoa, Tonga and Tahiti around 900 AD.
The Niueans lived in villages and practiced subsistence farming and fishing. They had a strong oral tradition and their language, Niuean, is still spoken today.
In the 16th century the island was visited by the Spanish, who named it San Juan Bautista. The island was later claimed by the Kingdom of Tonga, but was sold to a British trader in 1846, who then sold it to the Kingdom of Hawaii in 1887. In 1901, the island was annexed by New Zealand and was declared a British protectorate in 1946.
In 1974, Niue became a self-governing nation in free association with New Zealand. Since then, it has developed a strong economy based on tourism and the export of fish and handicrafts. The island has a high standard of living and a well-developed infrastructure.
Niue is a popular tourist destination, known for its lush tropical forest, rugged coastline and secluded beaches. It is also a very safe and peaceful place, with no crime and very low levels of pollution.
