Where is the state of niue. Maps of Turkey, Germany, Italy, Greece and other countries

Niue- an island and a state entity of the same name in free association with New Zealand in the southern part Pacific Ocean, in Polynesia, east of the Tonga Islands. It borders the territorial waters of American Samoa, the Cook Islands and Tonga. The land area is 261.46 km². Population - 1679 people (2006). The capital is the village of Alofi (or Alofi).

The island was discovered to Europeans in 1774 by the British navigator James Cook, who named it Savage, or "Savage Island". In 1900, Niue became a protectorate of the British Empire, and in 1901 was annexed by New Zealand. In 1974, Niue became a self-governing state in commonwealth with New Zealand. Niue is a member of the South Pacific Commission and the Pacific Islands Forum.

Complete modern name islands - Niue-fekai (Niue Niuē-fekai), which is used only in formal occasions, songs. It consists of two components: the word new formed from a noun niu(in translation " coconut palm”) and translates as “ here is the coconut tree»; fekai translates as " cannibal”, although cannibalism did not exist on the island.

However, the most ancient name Niue - Nuku-tu-taha (Niue Nuku-tu-taha), which was given, according to local legends, by the discoverer of the island named Huanaki (Niue Huanaki) and which can be translated from the Niue language as "alone standing island» . Other historical names - Motu-te-fua (Niue Motu-te-fua, which translates as "island without fruit"), Fakahoa-motu (Niue Fakahoa-motu), Nuku-tuluea (Niue Nuku-tuluea). All these names have fallen into disuse, and they can only be found in Niuean legends, songs.

Another historical name for Niue, Savage (English) Savage Island), is associated with the name of the famous English navigator James Cook, who became the first European discoverer of the island. In translation from English, this name is translated as "Isle of Savages". This is due to the fact that the English traveler was hostilely met by the local natives.

Geography

The state formation of Niue consists of the eponymous raised coral atoll and three underwater reefs located in the Pacific Ocean in Polynesia between the equator and the Tropic of Capricorn. Niue Island is located approximately 480 km east of the Tonga Islands, 930 km west of Rarotonga Island, the main island of the Cook Islands and approximately 2400 km northeast of Auckland, largest city New Zealand. The nearest archipelagos are the islands of Tonga (Friendship), belonging to the state of the same name and located to the west of the island of Niue, and the Samoa archipelago, lying to the northwest and belonging to Samoa and American (Eastern) Samoa.

Niue has a total area of ​​261.46 km², making it the largest single elevated atoll in the world. The highest point of the island, an unnamed hill near the village of Mutalau, reaches 68 m.

Climate

The climate of Niue is hot and moderately humid. Due to the lack of mountains and a small area, the climatic conditions on the entire island are almost the same. Two distinct seasons are clearly distinguished: a hot, humid season from November to March, characterized by high temperatures and humidity, coinciding with the cyclone season, and a cooler dry season from April to October, with warm, sunny days, cool nights, and strong breezes.

The average annual temperature in Niue varies slightly. The maximum daily temperature in January-February is 30 °C, in July-August - 26 °C. The average annual precipitation is about 2180 mm, although during the rainy season it can sometimes reach 3300 mm, and in the dry months 80-140 mm. Most of the precipitation falls in January-March. Droughts of varying duration occur at any time of the year, but most occur during the dry season. The prevailing winds blow from east to south and are influenced by the southeast trade wind zone, which is located at the edge of the tropical cyclone belt.

Niue Island is located in the southern part of the tropical cyclone belt and in the southeast trade wind zone, as a result of which severe storms are observed on the island from April to October. Devastating cyclones hit Niue every ten years.

Flora and fauna

There are 629 species of vascular plants on the island of Niue, 175 of which are native. In general, two large zones of certain vegetation can be distinguished on the island: the rainforests of the interior of Niue and coastal flora. A significant part of the island is covered with shrubs, only a few hectares of land are covered with virgin forests.

The vegetation cover of Niue has been subjected to significant anthropogenic impact. Virgin forests are preserved only in the central part of the island, in the east and southeast. They mainly grow tall trees, with a small number of shrubs and grass cover in the lower tier of the forest. The largest forest on the island is called Huvalu, and any human activity in it is strictly prohibited. A significant area of ​​Niue is covered with secondary forest, in which more representatives of the flora grow than in primary forests. In places where agricultural activities are carried out, small thickets are formed.

In inland forests, the most common tree species are lat. Syzgium inophylloides, lat. Syzgium richii. Among other plants, lat. Dysoxylum forsteri, lat. Planchonella torricellensis, lat. Pomentia pinnata, lat. Macaranga seemanii and lat. Fiscus prolixa. In the lower tier of vegetation, lat. Polyscias multijuga, lat. Streblus anthropophagourm, lat. Merremia peltate and different types of ferns.

In the coastal zone, basically the same plants grow as in the interior of Niue. However, their distinguishing feature is stunted growth. On the shore there are numerous shrubs, including lat. Barringtonia asiatica, lat. Capparis cordifolia, lat. Timonius polygamu, lat. Ochrosia oppositifolia, lat. Pandanus tectorius, lat. Scaeveola taccada and lat. Messerchmidia argentea.

Terrestrial mammals are represented mainly by introduced species: dogs, pigs and cats. The only native land mammal in Niue is the Tongan flying fox (lat. Pteropus tonganus), which plays an important role in the ecosystem of the island: it pollinates a significant proportion of native plants. However, deforestation and unauthorized hunting lead to a decrease in the number of this animal.

The island is home to 31 bird species, none of which are endemic, but the spotted whistler larva subspecies (eng. Lalage maculosa) and the Polynesian starling (eng. Aplonis tabuensis) are endemic - lat. Lalage maculosa whitmeei and lat. Aplonis tabuensis brunnescens.

IN coastal waters Niue is also inhabited by an endemic poisonous flat-tailed snake - lat. Laticauda schystorhyncha(local name - catuals).

The government of Niue pays considerable attention to the protection of the environment, and several nature reserves are located on the island. The largest of them - Huvalu Forest Conservation Area, located in the eastern part of the island between the villages of Liku and Hakupu and on the territory of which about 188 thousand animals live. The area of ​​the reserve is 54 km². South of the village of Hakupu is located Hakupu Heritage Site and Cultural Park(English) Hakupu Heritage and Cultural Park), on the territory of which there are a number of burials and dwellings of ancient Niueans, as well as a protective zone of flying foxes " Tauga Peka» (Niue Tauga Peka). South of Cape Macapu is located Anono Marine Reserve(previously known as Namoui). The area of ​​the reserve is 27.67 hectares.

Population

The main factor determining the demographic situation in Niue is the process of migration local population. Due to the increased outflow of the population to other countries (mainly to New Zealand), the population growth on the island has a negative indicator. Prior to 1930, Niue experienced a significant increase in population, and in 1966 a historical maximum population of 5,194 was reached. However, starting this year, a decline in population followed. In 1994, for the first time in thirty years, an increase in population was noted, after which depopulation again followed.

The process of migration from the island of Niue has a long history. Since the middle of the 19th century, Niueans were taken by Europeans to various plantations: the islanders worked on cotton plantations in Samoa, mined phosphorites in Eastern Polynesia. But only after the end of the Second World War did the process of emigration from the island of Niue acquire its modern shape. New Zealand, Australia and the United States, which at that time were in need of labor due to significant economic growth, accepted the Niuenets without any problems. The opening of an international airport in Niue in 1971, as well as granting the island in 1974 the status of a self-governing state entity in free association with New Zealand (this also meant granting New Zealand citizenship to the islanders) greatly facilitated the process of emigration of the indigenous population of Niue. The main factors behind the outflow of the population were: economic (a higher standard of living in New Zealand, high employment, wages, a higher level of education), geographical (Niue is a small island located far from continents and large archipelagos; lack of land and other important resources; frequent destructive tropical cyclones causing irreparable damage to local infrastructure and agriculture), political (in the past, close colonial relations with New Zealand; discontent of the population with the political situation on the island).

According to the 2006 census (data from the Niue Department of Statistics), the population of the country was 1625 people (the entire population that was on the island during the census was recorded, including residents and non-residents; if residents were abroad, they were not counted in the census). By 2009, the CIA estimated that figure had dropped to 1,398. The rate of population decline in Niue is high compared to other countries in Oceania: 0.032% according to a 2009 estimate. The 2006 census showed a decrease in the population by 9% compared to the 2001 census data, that is, by 163 people.

For statistical purposes, population records are kept by settlements. In 2006, the largest settlement in terms of population was the village of Alofi, which combines two villages: South Alofi(434 people) and Northern Alofi(147 people). The second most populated settlement is a village Avatel(164 people). Namukulu- the smallest village of the island (only 14 people). Only in three settlements population growth was recorded compared to 2001: in Awatel (growth by 31%), in South Alofi (growth by 21%) and Tamakautoga (growth by 12%). In other settlements, a decline in population was noted. The largest decline was in North Alofi (by 43%), Mutalau (by 36%) and Makefu with Nakupu (by 29% respectively). The main reason for the depopulation, as before, remains emigration to New Zealand, although the population of North Alofi was caused by a change in the boundaries of the village.

A large diaspora of Niueans exists in New Zealand. In 2001, 20,100 Niueans were registered in this country (about 9% of the population of the peoples of Oceania living in New Zealand). Most of them (78%) lived in the city of Auckland, 5% - in Wellington.

In 2006, men accounted for 46.5% (756 people), women - 53.5% (782 people). The proportion of children under 14 years old in 2006 was 24.9%, of the adult population from 15 to 64 years old - 63.2%, over 64 years old - 11.9%. The average life expectancy of the population in 1997 was 69.5 years.

Ethnic composition

The population of Niue is homogeneous: according to the 2006 census, 81% of resident residents (or 1538 people) were Niueans (representatives of the indigenous Polynesian people, whose ancestors are believed to have sailed to the island from Tonga, Samoa and Pukapuka), 11% (172 people ) - people from other islands of Oceania (mainly Tongans, Tuvaluans, Samoans and Fijians), 3% - Europeans, 2.6% - Asians, 2.6% - people from other countries and regions.

According to the 2001 census, the proportion of Niuenets was 80.6%, immigrants from other islands of Oceania - 10.5%, Caucasians - 4.7%, Mongoloids - 0.2% .4%, and from Niueans and Caucasians - 1.6%.

Languages

Beyond English official language The country is Niuean, one of the many languages ​​of the Polynesian group of Austronesian languages, along with Hawaiian, Maori, Samoan, Tahitian and others. Together with Tongan, Niue forms the Tongan subgroup of the Polynesian group of languages. The writing of the language was created in the first half of the 19th century by Christian missionaries from Samoa. The total number of Tongan speakers in 1998 was 7,990.

The language uses the Latin alphabet. It consists of only 17 letters: 5 vowels and 12 consonants. The longitude of vowel sounds plays an important role in oral speech, which can change the meaning of a word. In writing, longitude is indicated by a macron. Niuean is represented by two dialects: motu(dialect of the northern part of the island, it is more ancient) and tafiti(dialect of the southern part of the island, more modern). The difference between them mainly lies in the ways of word formation and vocabulary (for example, kautoga on the motu and lala Tafiti means "guava").

According to the 2006 census, the vast majority of the island's residents (72%) say they regularly communicate in Niuean. 18% of respondents indicated that they use it often, and only 3% do not speak it at all. At the same time, for two-thirds of the inhabitants, Niuean is their first language, which they have been learning since childhood, 12% of the islanders have been learning both Niuean and English since childhood, and only 9% of Niueans have English as their first language. In the majority of households (43%), residents communicate in both Niuean and English.

Religion

The dominant religion on the island of Niue is Christianity. John Williams, a member of the London Missionary Society, was the first Christian missionary to land on Niue in 1830. Although he did not stay on the island, he took with him two Niueans to study at the missionary school, who, after returning to Niue, took up educational work. In general, the process of Christianization of the population was quite slow and was accompanied by discontent among the population due to the fact that the missionaries brought to the island a number of previously unseen diseases, which killed a large number of islanders.

According to the 2006 census, 62% of the islanders (or 956 people) are followers of the Protestant Congregational Christian Church of Niue (Eng. ), 9% (138 people) - Catholics, 8% (127 people) - Mormons, 2% (28 people) - Jehovah's Witnesses. Among other faiths (this is about 9% of the population) there are Methodists, Seventh-day Adventists, Baha'is, Sikhs, Hindus, as well as followers of other Christian teachings. In the census, 3% of residents indicated that they were atheists, and 7% did not indicate their religion.

Congregational Christian Church of Niue Congregational Christian Church of Niue listen)) is the largest Christian church in Niue, which is a local branch of the London Missionary Society and became autonomous in 1970. In 1996, she opened her office in the New Zealand city of Auckland, where a large Niuean diaspora lives.

Transport

Poor transport links impose significant restrictions on the development of trade relations with the countries of Oceania and the whole world, as well as tourism.

A 64-kilometer road stretches along the coast of the island, passing through 13 villages of Niue. Two main roads also pass through the center of the island (the total length is about 230 km). Most of the roads are paved and maintained by road services to a very high standard.

There are no natural bays on the island. However, the village of Alofi has a pier that can only be approached by small boats.

In 1970, Hannan International Airport was built in Niue, which was subsequently expanded in 1994 to accommodate landings on the Boeing 737 runway. Regular flights to the island are provided by the New Zealand airline " Air New Zealand».

There is no public transport on the island, most residents move around the island in their own cars.

Tourism

Although the tourism sector in Niue is in its infancy, the development of tourism on the island is one of the priorities of the government of the country. The main restrictions for the development of tourism are very poor air communication with other countries of the world, the almost complete absence of a developed tourism infrastructure.

In 2002, 3,155 people visited Niue. The island is mainly visited by citizens of New Zealand, Australia, Europe, the USA and Canada.

  • Niue is the world's largest and highest elevated atoll.
  • In 1996, there were 2,089 Niueans in Niue and 18,474 Niueans in New Zealand.
  • The Niue Internet domain, .nu, was registered by an American businessman William Semich, who, back in 1997, applied to ICANN and received the rights to administer and sell names, providing Niueans with free Internet access in return. Semicha's annual turnover N.U. Domain is about $4 million.
  • According to Computerra magazine, Niue's Internet domain, .nu, has been favored by exploiters and is attracting crooks by anonymous registration.
  • On August 21, 2008, every elementary and high school student in Niue received an XO laptop distributed through the initiative One Laptop Per Child. The OLPC administration donated 500 laptops to the island state.
  • August 3, 2011 at an altitude of 20 km. meteorite exploded

Niue is a country in Polynesia that has not yet been explored by tourists. But it cannot be said that this is a kind of "terra incognita". Despite the almost complete absence of tourist infrastructure, New Zealanders like to relax here, as well as a small number of Canadians and US residents. But these are mostly extreme people who want to try themselves in the role of modern Miklouho-Maclay. Because the disastrous breath of globalization barely reaches this island lost in the vastness of the Pacific Ocean. Most of its territory is impenetrable jungle. There is only a ring road along the coast (sometimes three and a half meters wide), and two routes connecting the eastern and western parts of the island. In this dwarf state there is only one town - Alofi (aka the capital), which is two merged villages. What are tourists looking for in Niue? How to get there, where to stay and what to see, read in this article.

Where is Niue located

Niue is an island country, or rather, a raised coral atoll. The dwarf state is located in Polynesia, in the Pacific Ocean, between the equator and the Southern Tropic. The island is quite remote from other archipelagos. The closest islands of Tonga lie 480 kilometers to the west. To the east is the Cook Archipelago. The closest island to Niue is Rarothong, 930 kilometers away. In the northwest is the Samoa archipelago. Niue is an independent state entity in free association with New Zealand. In addition to land, the state also owns three underwater Beveridge, Antiop and Harens. They are exposed only at low tide. The area of ​​the island of Niue is 261.46 square kilometers. highest point(no name, near the village of Mutalau) reaches 68 meters above sea level. These figures bring Niue to the record holders: the largest single and highest atoll in the world.

History and political system

Niue is a country that appeared on the world map in 1974. The atoll began to be settled in the first centuries by immigrants from Polynesia. The first European to arrive on the coast of the island was James Cook (in 1774). The natives met him with hostility, which is why the navigator gave the atoll the name "Savage" - "Savages". In 1900, she took the island under her protectorate. But a year later it was annexed by New Zealand. When it became unprestigious to have colonies in the second half of the 20th century, the metropolis handed over the freedom of self-government to Niue. At the same time, the inhabitants of the atoll have the right to New Zealand citizenship. Since 1974, Niue has been a self-governing state entity in commonwealth with the former colonizer. Niue is a member of the South Pacific Commission and the Polynesian Islands Forum. As for state structure then it is a constitutional monarchy.

How to get there, where to stay

Until recently, none of the Russian tour operators sent travelers to rest in Niue. The country whose photos look like illustrations for earthly paradise, does not survive the influx of foreigners. Interesting is the fact that eighteen and a half thousand Niueans live in New Zealand, while on the island itself the population is only 1600 people (according to this indicator, Niue is the third most sparsely populated country in the world after Tokelau and Pitcairn). But what are these people! The only flight from Auckland, which is able to accept the local airport, the population meets with songs and dances. Before the eyes of a few discouraged tourists, a real show is played out. Moreover, it includes passengers from the local who returned to their homeland from the "mainland". good hotels there are two on the atoll: "Matawai" and "Namukulu cottages". You need to book them in advance. There are several other simpler hotels.

How to prepare for a trip

The ancient name of the island - Savage (Savage) - is to some extent justified even now. Those tourists who have visited the atoll recommend stocking up on cash before flying out of Auckland, going to Niue. The country whose money - it does not have a single ATM on its territory. Public transport, by the way, too. In good hotels, bicycles are given to guests for free. The entire territory of Niue is covered by broadband Internet. But Wi-Fi in hotels costs ten New Zealand dollars a day. All local schoolchildren in educational institutions are given laptops. So in the field of IT technologies, Niueans are ahead of the rest. There should be no language barrier for tourists. On the atoll, both young and old are fluent in English. It is the second state language.

Climate

Niue is an island located in the equatorial latitudes. Therefore, the climate here is hot and humid. There are two seasons in a year. Summer is here from November to March. It is hot and very humid. Tropical cyclones often sweep through, causing damage to the already underdeveloped infrastructure of the island. The most devastating was Typhoon Geta, from which in 2005 Niue (country) was greatly affected. The dollar did not fall as much during the world as the temperature drops during the dry season (April-October). The atoll lies in the path of the southeast trade winds. Strong winds blow the sea, begin severe storms. This period is characterized by sunshine and warm days but rather cool nights. Beach holidays are not particularly developed on the atoll, since there are few bays here, the bottom is shallow and coral, you can only swim in special shoes. By the way, there are no rivers or even streams on the island. Everything comes from Her you can drink even from the tap.

Attractions Niue

The main wealth of the country is its paradise nature. The government pays great attention to its protection. There are several nature reserves on the tiny atoll. Tourists recommend a trip to Huvalu - a virgin forest with an area of ​​​​54 square meters. km. It occupies the central and eastern parts of the island and is located between the villages of Hakupu and Liku. Further south begins another park - Hakupu Heritage and Cultural Park. It is included in the list cultural heritage mankind, because here are the burial places and the remains of the dwellings of the ancient inhabitants of the island. The water area from Cape Macapu is also under state protection. The currency of Niue - the New Zealand dollar - should not mislead you about prices. In this former colony, everything is somewhat more expensive than in the metropolis. And this is justified: products (except for coconuts, taro and cassava) arrive at the atoll by plane.

Niue - General information

Officially recognized name- Niue (also known as Savage).

Location- located insular State of Niue in Polynesia, in the South Pacific. The country is part of the Kingdom of New Zealand. It has no land borders with other states, but Niue has borders with the territorial waters of the Tonga Islands, the Cook Islands and the American Samoa Islands.

Territory- 261.46 square kilometers (229th place in the world).

Population- Approximately 1,800 people (237th place in the world).

Ethnic composition of the population homogeneity (homogeneity). 81% of the total population are Niueans (descendants of the indigenous people of Polynesia), 11% are representatives of other islands of Oceania (mostly Fijians, Samoans, Tuvalians and Tongans), also a small number of inhabitants are Europeans, and they make up 3%; 2.5% - Asians, 2.5% - representatives of other nationalities.

Religion- most of the population are adherents of Protestantism - 62%, about 9% - Catholics, Mormons - 8% and Jehovah's Witnesses - 2%. Small religious groups on the islands include: Hindus, Baha'is, Methodists, Sikhs, Seventh Day Adventists, as well as representatives of various Christian faiths. A small number of the island's inhabitants consider themselves atheists.

Capital- Alofi.

Largest cities- Alofi, Hakulu, Avatele, Tamakautoga, Vaiea, Liku, Hikutawake, etc.

The official language is English and Niue. It is worth noting that the Niuean language is only a drop in the ocean among the large group of Polynesian languages. Writing in this national language appeared relatively recently and uses the Latin alphabet of 17 letters. Also, the language has two dialects within the same island: the Tafiti dialect, characteristic of the south of the island, and the Motu dialect, characteristic of the northern part of the island.

Form of government- a constitutional monarchy.

dominant person is the Queen of Great Britain Elizabeth II, her viceroy in the Pacific region is the governor-general, and now the direct power on the island is represented by the chairman of the governor-general.

Associated State, in union with New Zealand, is located in the South Pacific Ocean and belongs to the islands of Polynesia. It is the largest raised coral atoll on the planet, surrounded by several reefs, 480 km east of the Kingdom of Tonga. The surface of the island is covered with shrubs and virgin forests, which are home to more than 30 species of exotic birds.

Too steep slopes and rocky coastline serve as a serious obstacle to the establishment of maritime transport communication with neighboring countries and the islands of Polynesia, as well as adversely affect the development tourism industry associated with beach holidays.

A brief excursion into history

At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, the island was officially proclaimed a protectorate of the British Empire and almost immediately annexed by New Zealand, and since 1974 it gained independence, maintaining a commonwealth with the New Zealand kingdom. In addition to Alofi, there are 12 more settlements on the territory of the state with a population of 14 to 227 people. However, in recent years, migration has become common here and the number of islanders has been steadily declining. Almost all villages are located along the ocean coast, but at the same time, access to water, except in rare cases, is very difficult. The islanders speak English language and the local dialect, and the New Zealand dollar is used as the national currency. More than 60% of the inhabitants adhere to the Christian religion. The hourly difference between Niue and Moscow is 15 hours, regardless of the season. You can call the country using the dialing code 683. The website of the government of Niue is www.gov.nu/wb.

Economy

The main area of ​​activity for local residents is agriculture, while industrial production is completely absent, due to the distance of the location relative to the mainland and, consequently, low economic interest on the part of importers, and the fishing industry is not efficient enough, due to the almost complete absence of bays and lagoons. Mostly exotic fruits such as bananas, limes, coconuts and numerous vegetable crops are grown on the island.

Tourism

The tourist infrastructure in Niue is very poorly developed. Mostly the island is visited by tourists from New Zealand, Canada and the United States, less often from Europe. At the same time, it is the development of this area of ​​activity that seems to be one of the priority areas in terms of improving the economy and the general standard of living in the country, given the unique natural resources of these places, as well as the unusual culture and traditions of the islanders.

Climate

The country has a hot, moderately humid climate. Although common area Niue is over 260 sq. km, weather conditions are the same in all regions, which is largely due to the lack of mountains and hills. From November to March, it is invariably rainy and hot, and the average air temperature, as a rule, is around +28 degrees. From January to March, the largest share of precipitation falls in the year. The period from April to October is considered best time for a trip to this part of Polynesia. The thermometer usually fluctuates around +26 degrees, and there is no suffocating stuffiness characteristic of the rainy season. On the other hand, severe storms and droughts are not uncommon.

Nature and fauna

The country pays great attention to the environment, so Niue has several beautiful nature reserves, the most famous of which are National hakupu park And Anono Marine Reserve with an area of ​​more than 27 hectares. As an outstanding natural landmark of the island, which is animal world, is the unique Tongan flying fox, which plays a significant role in the ecosystem of the island. Unfortunately, the existence of this species is now threatened due to the heavy deforestation taking place on the island. Another unique natural object is considered Avaiki cave, which has retained its appearance for 3 million years. It is also interesting that in the absence of rivers and lakes, the island has a regular source of fresh water, located in its center, under the edge of the former atoll, and representing a water layer several tens of meters thick.

Visa and customs regulations

For residents of the CIS, entry into the country is visa-free, and upon departure, you must pay a fee equal to 20 New Zealand dollars. Customs regulations comply with generally accepted standards.

How to get there

The only one international Airport island state, Hannan, is located next to the capital Alofi and is operated by the New Zealand airline Air New Zealand, so you can only get here by air from New Zealand.

Transport

You can move around the island by car, motorcycle or bicycle, as public transport does not exist here. The cost of rent is low, and you can arrange it at any of the rental offices available in almost every village.

The capital of Niue is small village Alofi with a population of just over 600 people. The city is conditionally divided into northern and southern regions, although, in essence, it is one long street with administrative buildings, shops, educational and government institutions located on it. The local port has the status of the main one in the country and ships regularly depart from it to ensure the export of local fruits and vegetables. In addition to the port, there are several moorings in the vicinity of Alofi used as canoe moorings. The most famous of them is called Opahi Landing and became famous for the fact that in 1774, in this place, the legendary English navigator James Cook made an unsuccessful attempt to conquer the rocky shores of the island. In the end, the traveler, along with the team, managed to land on land, where they were extremely unfriendly met by the locals, which is why Cook later called Niue, Savage, which means "island of savages."

Niue is one of the most exotic countries on the planet, but tourist map In the world, it is little known to anyone, which, however, can be called an additional reason to get to know the island better, especially since it is worth it.

Kitchen

The national cuisine of Niue is characterized by coconut delicacies, fish, poultry and beef. IN local cafes and restaurants also often offer a variety of exotic fruits and sweets. Dishes are always served fresh and always combined with herbs. Local drinks are also recommended for sampling.

shopping

For shoppers, the island is a real blessing. Prices are low, bargaining is appropriate, and the choice of assortment cannot be called narrow. In the local settlements, you can buy fruits, souvenirs, inexpensive clothes, and handicrafts. There are few hotels and they do not differ in a high degree of comfort, but the cost of accommodation is extremely low, especially compared to the prices of accommodation in New Zealand.

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Niue or Savage- an island and a state formation of the same name in free association with New Zealand in the South Pacific Ocean, in Polynesia, east of the Tonga Islands. It borders the territorial waters of American Samoa, the Cook Islands, Tonga and French Polynesia.

The state formation of Niue consists of the eponymous raised coral atoll and three underwater reefs. It is the largest raised atoll in the world.

Once Niue was an active volcano, which died out about 3 million years ago, and its upper part, which was above ocean level, was subjected to severe erosion due to natural factors (rain, ocean waves).

Niue Airport

Niue Airport Niue (Niue International Airport)

Hotels Niue 1 - 5 stars

Niue weather

The climate is hot and moderately humid. The island has two distinct seasons: a hot, wet season from November to March, characterized by high temperatures and humidity, coinciding with the cyclone season, and a cooler dry season, from April to October, with warm, sunny days, cool nights, and strong breezes.

The average annual temperature in Niue varies slightly. The maximum daily temperature in January - February is 30°C, in July-August - 26°C. The average annual precipitation is about 2180 mm, although in the rainy season it can sometimes reach 3300 mm, and in the dry months 80-140 mm, the main part of which falls in January - March.

Niue language

Official language: Niue, English

Most residents speak both state languages. The Niuean language is represented by two dialects: Motu (dialect of the northern part of the island, it is more ancient) and Tafiti (dialect of the southern part of the island, more modern).

Currency of Niue

International name: NZD

The New Zealand dollar is equal to 100 cents. In circulation are banknotes in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 dollars, as well as coins in denominations of 1 and 2 dollars, 50, 20, 10 and 5 cents.

Many resort areas also accept US and Australian dollars for payment.

Currency exchange is possible at any hotel or exchange office, although you can actually exchange any foreign currency, except for Australian or New Zealand dollars, only at the Bank of South Pacific and Westpac offices in Alofi.

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa credit cards are accepted at most hotels, resorts, rental companies and dive centers. Traveler's checks can be cashed at most banking institutions on the island.

Customs restrictions

Transit of both local and foreign currency is not limited. There is a ban on the import of food, weapons and drugs, of course. Be sure to inspect wood products, plants, vegetables or fruits.

When importing valuable products, their declaration is mandatory.

It is not allowed to export products from skins, bones, tortoise shells, corals, and it is also impossible to export plants that are included in the list of protected by the state.

Mains voltage

Tips

Tipping is not officially accepted; in the case of renting a boat or yacht, the amount of additional payments should be agreed in advance.

Purchases

Trade establishments are usually open from Monday to Saturday, from 08.00 to 16.00, however, many private shops operate on their own schedule.

Niue does not charge sales tax or VAT.

National features of Niue. Traditions

It is also not customary to drink alcohol openly, regardless of the day of the week.

Fishing is limited and only possible with the permission of local authorities (fishing tours offered by hotels usually already contain all issued permits).

Underwater hunting using harpoon weapons is prohibited. Also, special attention is paid to the careful attitude to coral reefs.

Code of the country: +683

First level geographic domain name:.nu

Emergency Phones

Unified rescue service (fire department, police and ambulance) - 999.
Ambulance- 998 (Lord Liverpool Hospital) or 41-00 (Medical & Dental Centre).
Central Police Office - 43-33.
Fire department - 41-33.

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