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Niue| Coral island in the south Pacific, west of the Cook Islands; overseas territory of New Zealand; area 260 sq km/100 sq mi; population (1993) 2,300 (12,000 Niueans live in New Zealand). The chief village and port is Alofi. The island is characterized by a low water table, and only 11–12% of the land can be cultivated. Products include coconuts, passion fruit, honey, taro, handicrafts, and limes. Languages spoken are English and Niuean (official). |
| The island was inhabited by warriors who stopped English explorer Captain Cook from landing in 1774. Christian missionaries arrived in 1846 and the island became a British protectorate in 1900. It was annexed by New Zealand in 1901 and attained self-government in free association with New Zealand (with which there is common citizenship) in 1974. |
| Straw-plaiting is one of the chief occupations, and hats, bananas, copra, baskets, and kumaras (sweet potatoes) are exported. There is a radio station and open anchorage at Alofi. |
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