Country Profile: Niue
Niue is a small island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Tonga. With a tropical climate and a largely coastal population of approximately 1,815, Niue's economy is primarily based on agriculture and tourism, though it faces challenges due to its environmental fragility and high emigration rates. Governed as a parliamentary democracy in free association with New Zealand, Niue enjoys self-governing status while relying on New Zealand for defense and foreign affairs.
Geography
Niue is situated in Oceania, characterized as one of the world's largest coral islands, with steep limestone cliffs and a central plateau. The island has an area of 260 square kilometers and is primarily surrounded by a 64-kilometer coastline. Niue's tropical climate is influenced by southeast trade winds, and its natural resources include arable land and fish, although it is vulnerable to tropical cyclones.
- 0 km: No land boundaries with other countries.
- 97%: Of the population has access to improved drinking water.
- 72.6%: Of the land is covered by forest.
- 18.5%: Of land is designated for agricultural use (2023 estimate).
- 0 sq km: Of irrigated land (2022).
People and Society
The population of Niue is estimated at 1,815, with a majority identifying as Niuean. The population is distributed mainly along the coastal areas, and the primary languages spoken are Niuean and English. Niue has a high literacy rate of 99.5% and a life expectancy of 71.8 years for males and 75.7 years for females.
- 48.2%: Of the population lives in urban areas (2023).
- 99.5%: Literacy rate (2022).
- 64.6: Dependency ratio (2024).
- 50%: Adult obesity prevalence rate (2016).
- 7.8%: Health expenditure as a percentage of GDP (2020).
Economy
Niue has an upper-middle-income economy heavily reliant on tourism, agriculture, and small-scale industries. The country’s real GDP (purchasing power parity) was estimated at $18.7 million in 2021. Agricultural products include coconuts and a variety of tropical fruits, while imports primarily consist of refined petroleum and food products, with New Zealand as the leading trade partner.
- $18.7 million: Estimated real GDP (PPP) for 2021.
- $11,100: Real GDP per capita (PPP) for 2021.
- 54%: Of exports go to the USA (2023).
- 87%: Of imports come from New Zealand (2023).
- 3 million kWh: Electricity consumption (2023).
Government
Niue operates as a parliamentary democracy with self-governing status in free association with New Zealand since 1974. The government includes a unicameral legislative assembly, and the Prime Minister is indirectly elected. Niue's legal system is based on English common law, and the chief of state is King Charles III, represented by New Zealand’s Governor-General.
- 20: Seats in the Niue Assembly.
- 3: Year term for the Prime Minister.
- 97%: Of the population has access to improved sanitation facilities (2022).
- 15%: Percentage of women in the legislative assembly.
- 6: Administrative divisions comprising 14 villages.
Military and Security
Niue does not maintain a regular military force but relies on the Niue Police Department for domestic security. New Zealand is responsible for defense and foreign affairs under the Niue Constitution Act of 1974, providing assistance when requested.
Energy
The electricity generation in Niue is entirely based on fossil fuels, with an installed capacity of 3,000 kW. The total consumption of electricity is approximately 3 million kWh, with transmission losses accounting for 400,000 kWh.
- 100%: Of installed electricity capacity comes from fossil fuels (2023).
- 61 bbl/day: Refined petroleum consumption (2023).
Transportation
Niue has one airport and a small merchant marine fleet consisting of 70 vessels. The primary port is located in Alofi, which handles local shipping needs.
- 1: Airport operational as of 2025.
- 1: Major port at Alofi.
Communications
Telecommunications in Niue feature a fixed line subscription rate of 1,000. The country has a high internet penetration, with around 80% of the population being internet users.
- 80%: Percent of the population using the internet (2024).
- 1: State-owned TV station and radio station as of 2019.
- 52: Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants for fixed-line telephones (2021).
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,815 | 2024 estimate |
| Area | 260 sq km | Total land area |
| GDP (PPP) | $18.7 million | 2021 estimate |
| Electricity Consumption | 3 million kWh | 2023 |
| Literacy Rate | 99.5% | 2022 estimate |
| Unemployment Rate | Not available | |
| Life Expectancy (Male/Female) | 71.8/75.7 years | 2016 estimates |
| Health Expenditure | 7.8% of GDP | 2020 |
| Urban Population | 48.2% | 2023 |
| Dependency Ratio | 64.6 | 2024 |
Explore more about this country: