Niue
Niue, often called the Rock of Polynesia, is a self-governing coral island in Oceania that maintains a unique political relationship in free association with New Zealand. Recent estimates show a resident population of approximately 1,900 people, who enjoy a relatively high standard of living with a GDP per capita of approximately $15,500.
Where is Niue?
Niue
- Continent
- Oceania
- Country
- Niue
- Coordinates
- -19.03°, -169.87°
Population Details
- Area
- 260 km²
Quick Facts
- Capital
- Alofi
- Region
- Oceania
- Area
- 260 km²
- Languages
- English, Niuean
- Currency
- New Zealand dollar ($)
- Timezones
- UTC-11:00
- UN Member
- No
Economy
The economy of Niue is heavily influenced by its close ties with New Zealand, which provides substantial budgetary support and shared currency. Key economic activities include government services, tourism, and the export of agricultural products like honey, vanilla, and taro. While recent data shows a GDP per capita of approximately $15,500, the island also generates revenue through the sale of commemorative coins and postage stamps. The unemployment rate is estimated at 12%, with a significant portion of the workforce engaged in public administration or subsistence farming.
Society
Social indicators on the island are remarkably high, featuring a literacy rate of approximately 99% and a life expectancy of roughly 71 years. The government provides free and compulsory education for children, and the small population benefits from a robust healthcare system with support from New Zealand for complex medical cases. Niue was also a global pioneer in digital connectivity, achieving high levels of internet penetration by offering one of the world's first nationwide free wireless networks.
Climate & Environment
Niue experiences a tropical climate with a rainy season from November to April and a cooler, drier period from May to October. The island's geography consists of a raised coral atoll with steep limestone cliffs, meaning there are no rivers or lakes, which makes the population entirely dependent on underground freshwater aquifers.
Government & Politics
- Government Type
- parliamentary democracy
- Independence
- 1974-10-19 (New Zealand)
Geography
- Highest Point
- unnamed location near Mutalau settlement (68 m)
- Lowest Point
- Pacific Ocean (0 m)
- Coastline
- 64 km
Major Cities
Largest Cities in NiueExplore weather and climate data for cities in Niue
Climate & Weather
View full climate guideMonthly averages for Alofi
| Month | Temp | Feels Like | Rain | Sun | Humidity | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 27°C / 26°C | 31°C / 28°C | 20days (303 mm) Wet | 10.5h Excellent | 82% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| February | 27°C / 26°C | 31°C / 28°C | 21days (307 mm) Wet | 9.4h Good | 82% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| March | 27°C / 26°C | 31°C / 29°C | 22days (248 mm) Wet | 9.8h Good | 82% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| April | 27°C / 26°C | 30°C / 27°C | 19days (190 mm) Wet | 9.9h Good | 80% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| May | 26°C / 25°C | 28°C / 26°C | 18days (203 mm) Wet | 9.1h Good | 79% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| June best | 25°C / 24°C | 26°C / 24°C | 12days (108 mm) Wet | 9.5h Good | 76% Humid | Excellent | View Details |
| July best | 25°C / 24°C | 25°C / 23°C | 10days (98 mm) Wet | 9.6h Good | 76% Humid | Excellent | View Details |
| August best | 24°C / 23°C | 25°C / 22°C | 12days (92 mm) Wet | 9.6h Good | 76% Humid | Excellent | View Details |
| September best | 24°C / 23°C | 25°C / 23°C | 13days (88 mm) Wet | 10.4h Excellent | 77% Humid | Excellent | View Details |
| October best | 25°C / 24°C | 26°C / 23°C | 11days (107 mm) Wet | 10.8h Excellent | 78% Humid | Excellent | View Details |
| November | 26°C / 25°C | 28°C / 25°C | 16days (139 mm) Wet | 10.8h Excellent | 81% Humid | Fair | View Details |
| December | 26°C / 25°C | 30°C / 27°C | 20days (205 mm) Wet | 11.2h Excellent | 81% Humid | Wet | View Details |
Temperature
Line chart showing monthly temperatures. Jan: 27°C / 26°C . Feb: 27°C / 26°C . Mar: 27°C / 26°C . Apr: 27°C / 26°C . May: 26°C / 25°C . Jun: 25°C / 24°C . Jul: 25°C / 24°C . Aug: 24°C / 23°C . Sep: 24°C / 23°C . Oct: 25°C / 24°C . Nov: 26°C / 25°C . Dec: 26°C / 25°C .
Rainfall
Bar chart showing monthly rainfall. Jan: 303 mm. Feb: 307 mm. Mar: 248 mm. Apr: 190 mm. May: 203 mm. Jun: 108 mm. Jul: 98 mm. Aug: 92 mm. Sep: 88 mm. Oct: 107 mm. Nov: 139 mm. Dec: 205 mm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Population data for Niue is currently being loaded.
The capital of Niue is Alofi.
GDP data for Niue is currently being loaded.
GDP data for Niue is currently being loaded.
Niue covers 260 km² (100 sq mi).
Niue has 2 official languages: English, Niuean.
Niue uses the New Zealand dollar ($) as its sole official currency.
Niue is an island nation and shares no land borders.
The best months to visit Niue are June, July, August, September, October, based on climate data for the capital.
According to the latest estimates, the resident population of Niue is approximately 1,900 people. This small population size makes it one of the least populous self-governing territories in the world, with a significant portion of the community living in the capital of Alofi or nearby coastal villages.
Niue uses the New Zealand dollar as its official currency. Because Niue is in free association with New Zealand, the two nations share a monetary system, and the island does not have its own central bank, though it does issue unique commemorative coins for collectors.
The literacy rate in Niue is approximately 99%, reflecting a highly effective education system. Schooling is free and compulsory for all children, following a curriculum that is closely aligned with the New Zealand educational framework, which helps prepare students for higher education or employment abroad.
Niue has a total land area of 260 km² (100 sq mi) and a coastline that stretches 64 km (40 mi). It is one of the world's largest raised coral atolls, characterized by a central plateau and rugged limestone cliffs that drop sharply into the Pacific Ocean.
The official languages of the island are English and Niuean, a Polynesian language closely related to Tongan and Samoan. While English is used for government administration and business, Niuean remains the primary language spoken within the home and for daily community interactions across the island.
All Indicators
Explore Niue's data across 50+ indicators
Demographics
Economy
Health
Education
Environment
Military & Security
Infrastructure
Geography
Last updated: