Country Profile: Niue

Niue is a small, tropical island located in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Tonga, characterized by steep limestone cliffs and a population of approximately 1,815 (2024 est.). The economy is primarily based on subsistence farming, small-scale agricultural processing, and a rebound in tourism post-pandemic. Niue operates as a parliamentary democracy and is in free association with New Zealand, which provides assistance for defense and foreign affairs. The island has a rich cultural history influenced by Polynesian settlers and retains a unique identity.

Geography

Niue is situated in Oceania and is one of the world's largest coral islands. It has a total area of 260 square kilometers, with a coastline of 64 kilometers. The island features a tropical climate modified by southeast trade winds, with a central plateau and steep cliffs around the coast. Its only major break in the surrounding coral reef occurs in the central western part of the coast.

260 sq km: Total area of Niue.
12 nm: Territorial sea limit.
200 nm: Exclusive economic zone.
72.6%: Percentage of forest cover (2023).
18.5%: Agricultural land use (2023).
64 km: Length of the coastline.

People and Society

The population of Niue is approximately 1,815, with a slightly higher number of females (938) than males (877) as of 2024. The ethnic composition predominantly consists of Niueans, alongside part-Niueans and non-Niueans. Niuean and English are the official languages, while the majority of the population adheres to Christianity, particularly the Ekalesia Niue. The literacy rate is exceptionally high at 99.5%.

1,815: Total population (2024).
99.5%: Literacy rate (2022).
48.2%: Urban population (2023).
71.8 years: Male life expectancy at birth (2016).
75.7 years: Female life expectancy at birth (2016).
64.6: Total dependency ratio (2024).

Economy

Niue has an upper-middle-income economy largely dependent on agriculture and tourism. The GDP was estimated at $18.7 million in 2021, with a GDP per capita of $11,100. The island is characterized by massive emigration, and it has recently become a member of the Asian Development Bank. Main exports include postage stamps and agricultural products, while it primarily imports refined petroleum and machinery.

$18.7 million: Real GDP (PPP) in 2021.
$11,100: Real GDP per capita (PPP) in 2021.
54%: Share of exports to the USA (2023).
87%: Percentage of imports from New Zealand (2023).
3 million kWh: Electricity consumption (2023).
61 bbl/day: Refined petroleum consumption (2023).

Government

Niue operates as a parliamentary democracy and became self-governing in free association with New Zealand in 1974. The capital is Alofi, and the government structure includes a unicameral Assembly. The most recent general elections were held in April 2023, with Dalton Tagelagi serving as the Prime Minister. There are no regular military forces, and security is primarily managed by the Niue Police Department.

20: Seats in the Niue Assembly.
18 years: Minimum voting age.
3 years: Term length for the Prime Minister.
Dalton Tagelagi: Current Prime Minister since June 2020.
March 2024: Upcoming elections expected.

Military and Security

Niue does not have a regular indigenous military force and relies on the assistance of New Zealand for defense and foreign affairs under the Niue Constitution Act of 1974. The Niue Police Department is the main security agency responsible for law enforcement on the island.

0: Regular military forces.
1: Niue Police Department as the security force.

Energy

The energy sector in Niue is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, with 100% of the installed electricity capacity sourced from this. The island has a small electricity generating capacity of 3,000 kW and consumes around 3 million kWh of electricity annually.

3,000 kW: Installed electricity generating capacity (2023).
3 million kWh: Total electricity consumption (2023).
400,000 kWh: Electricity transmission/distribution losses (2023).

Transportation

Niue has limited transportation infrastructure, featuring one small airport and a single port in Alofi. The island maintains a modest merchant marine fleet to support its trade and transport needs.

1: Airport (2025).
70: Total merchant marine vessels (2023).
1: Port (Alofi) (2024).

Communications

The communications landscape in Niue includes both fixed-line and mobile services, with approximately 80% of the population having access to the internet. There are state-owned broadcasting services as well.

1,000: Total fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2021).
80%: Internet user penetration (2024).
1: State-owned TV station.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	1,815	Estimate for 2024
Area	260 sq km	Total land area
GDP	$18.7 million	Real GDP (PPP) in 2021
GDP per capita	$11,100	Real GDP per capita (PPP) in 2021
Electricity consumption	3 million kWh	Total annual consumption (2023)
Life expectancy (male)	71.8 years	Based on 2016 data
Life expectancy (female)	75.7 years	Based on 2016 data
Literacy rate	99.5%	Estimate for 2022
Urban population	48.2%	Percentage of total population (2023)
Installed electricity capacity	3,000 kW	As of 2023