Niue is a country in Polynesia that has not yet been explored by tourists. But one cannot say that this is some kind of "terra incognita". Despite the almost complete absence of tourist infrastructure, New Zealanders like to rest 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 only barely reaches this lost in the vast The Pacific islet. Most of its territory - impenetrable jungle... There is only a ring road along the coast (sometimes three and a half meters wide), and two highways 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 this article.
Where is Niue located
Niue is an island country, or rather, an uplifted 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 nearest islands Tonga lie 480 kilometers to the west. To the east is the Cook Archipelago. The island of Rarotong, closest to Niue, is 930 kilometers away. In the northwest lies the Samoa archipelago. Niue is an independent public entity that is freely associated with New Zealand. In addition to land, the state also owns three submarines, Beveridge, Antiope and Harens. They are exposed only at low tide. The area of the island of Niue is 261.46 square kilometers. The highest point (without a name, near the village of Mutalau) reaches 68 meters above sea level. These figures make Niue a record holder: the largest single and tallest atoll in the world.
History and government
Niue is a country that appeared on the world map in 1974. The atoll began to settle in the first centuries by immigrants from Polynesia. The first European to come to the shores of the island was James Cook (in 1774). The natives greeted 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, in the second half of the twentieth century, it became not prestigious to have colonies, the metropolis handed over the freedom of self-government to Niue. At the same time, residents of the atoll have the right to New Zealand citizenship. Since 1974, Niue has been a self-governing state entity in collaboration with a former colonialist. Niue is a member country of the South Pacific Commission and the Polynesian Islands Forum. As for state structure then it is a constitutional monarchy.
How to get, where to stay
Until recently, none of the Russian tour operators sent travelers on vacation to Niue. A country whose photos look like illustrations of an earthly paradise does not experience an influx of foreigners. Interestingly, New Zealand is home to eighteen and a half thousand Niueans, while the island itself has a population of only 1600 (according to this indicator, Niue is the third most sparsely populated country in the world after Tokelau and Pitcairn). But what kind of people they are! The only flight from Auckland, which is able to receive 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 local people who returned to their homeland from “ big land». 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 your trip
The old name of the island - Savage (Dikarsky) - is to some extent justified today. Those tourists who have visited the atoll recommend stocking up on cash before flying from Auckland to Niue. A country whose money - it does not have a single ATM on its territory. Public transport, by the way, too. V good hotels guests are given bicycles for free. The entire territory of Niue is covered by broadband Internet. But Wi-Fi in hotels costs NZ $ 10 a day. All local schoolchildren in educational institutions are given laptops. So in the field of IT technology, the Niueans are ahead of the rest. Tourists should not have a language barrier. In the atoll, both young and old are fluent in English. It is the second state language.
Climate
Niue is an island located in equatorial latitudes. Therefore, the climate here is hot and humid. There are two seasons per year. Summer is here from November to March. It is hot and very humid. Tropical cyclones often sweep by, damaging the island's already underdeveloped infrastructure. The most devastating was Typhoon Geta, from which Niue (country) was severely affected in 2005. 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 the sea swells, violent storms begin. This period is characterized by sunny and warm days, but rather cool nights. Beach vacation not particularly developed on the atoll, since there are few bays here, the bottom is shallow and coral, you can swim only in special shoes. By the way, there are no rivers or even streams on the island. Everything comes from It can be drunk even from the tap.
Niue landmarks
The main wealth of the country is its paradise nature. The government pays great attention to its protection. The tiny atoll has several nature reserves. Tourists recommend going to Huvalu - a virgin forest with an area of 54 sq. km. It occupies the central and eastern parts of the island and is located between the villages of Hakupu and Liku. Further south, another park begins - Hakupu Heritage and Cultural Park. It is included in the list cultural heritage of humanity, since the burials and remains of the dwellings of the ancient inhabitants of the island are located here. The water area from Cape Makapu is also under state protection. Niue's currency - the New Zealand dollar - shouldn't mislead you about prices. In this former colony everything is somewhat more expensive than in the metropolis. And this is justified: food (except for coconuts, taro and cassava) arrives at the atoll by plane.
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Niue or Savage- an island and state entity of the same name in free association with New Zealand in the South Pacific Ocean, in Polynesia, east of the Tonga Islands. Borders territorial waters American Samoa, Cook Islands, Tonga and French Polynesia.
The state formation of Niue consists of a raised coral atoll of the same name and three underwater reefs. It is the largest raised atoll in the world.
Niue was once active volcano, which about 3 million years ago went extinct, and its upper part, located above ocean level, was subjected to severe erosion due to natural factors (rain, ocean waves).
Niue airport
Niue International Airport
1 - 5 star hotels in Niue
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 fluctuates slightly. The maximum daily temperature in January-February is 30 ° C, in July-August it is 26 ° C. The average annual rainfall is about 2,180 mm, although during the rainy season it can sometimes reach 3,300 mm, and in dry months 80-140 mm, the bulk of which falls in January-March.
Niue language
Official language: niue, english
Most of the residents speak both state languages. The Niuean language is represented by two dialects: motu (the dialect of the northern part of the island, it is more ancient) and tafiti (the dialect of the southern part of the island, more modern).
Niue currency
International name: NZD
The New Zealand dollar is equal to 100 cents. In circulation there 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 dollars and Australian dollars.
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.
Credit cards American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted at most hotels, resorts, car rental companies and dive centers. Travel checks can be cashed at most banking institutions on the island.
Customs restrictions
The transit of both local and foreign currency is not limited. It is worth the ban on the import of food, weapons and drugs of course. It is imperative to inspect wood products, plants, vegetables or fruits.
When importing valuable items, their declaration is mandatory.
It is not allowed to export products made of skins, bones, turtle shells, corals, and plants that are included in the list of protected by the state cannot be exported.
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
Retail outlets are usually open Monday through Saturday from 08:00 to 16:00, however many private shops operate on their own schedule.
There is no sales tax or VAT in Niue.
National characteristics 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 the permits issued).
Spearfishing with harpoon weapons is prohibited. Also, special attention is paid to the careful treatment of coral reefs.
Country code: +683
Geographic first level domain name:.nu
Emergency telephones
Unified rescue service (fire brigade, police and ambulance) - 999.
Ambulance - 998 (Lord Liverpool Hospital) or 41-00 (Medical & Dental Center).
Central Police Office - 43-33.
Fire department - 41-33.
The Associated State, allied with New Zealand, is located in the South Pacific Ocean and belongs to the Polynesian Islands. It is the planet's largest raised coral atoll, surrounded by several reefs, 480 km east of the Kingdom of Tonga. The island's surface is covered with shrubs and virgin forests, which are home to over 30 species of exotic birds.
Too steep slopes and rocky coastline serve as a serious obstacle to the establishment of maritime transport links with neighboring countries and the islands of Polynesia, as well as negatively affect the development of the tourism industry associated with beach recreation.
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 in 1974 it gained independence, while maintaining a commonwealth with the Kingdom of New Zealand. 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 and the local dialect, and use the New Zealand dollar as the national currency. More than 60% of residents adhere to the Christian religion. The time difference between Niue and Moscow is 15 hours, regardless of the season. Calls to the country can be made using the area code 683. The Niue government website is www.gov.nu/wb.
Economy
The main field of activity for local residents is agriculture, while industrial production is completely absent due to the distance from the mainland and, consequently, low economic interest on the part of importers, and fishing is not efficient enough, due to the almost complete absence of bays and lagoons. The island mainly produces exotic fruits such as bananas, limes, coconuts and numerous vegetables.
Tourism
The tourist infrastructure in Niue is very poorly developed. Mostly the island is visited by tourists from New Zealand, Canada and the USA, less often from Europe. At the same time, it is the development of this field 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. Despite the fact that the total area of Niue is over 260 sq. km, weather 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 about +28 degrees. The largest share of precipitation falls in the year from January to March. The period from April to October is considered best time for a trip to this part of Polynesia. The thermometer usually hovers around +26 degrees, and there is no suffocating stuffiness typical for the rainy season. On the other hand, severe storms and droughts are not uncommon.
Nature and fauna
The environment is of great importance in the country, so there are several beautiful nature reserves in Niue, the most famous of which are National Hakupu park and Anono Marine Reserve with an area of over 27 hectares. As an outstanding natural landmark of the island, representing animal world, the unique Tongan flying fox acts, playing an essential role in the ecosystem of the island. Unfortunately, the existence of this species is now under threat due to the abundant deforestation on the island. Another unique natural site counts avaiki cave, retaining its appearance for 3 million years. It is also interesting that in the absence of rivers and lakes, the island has a regular source fresh water, located in its center, under the edge of the former atoll, and is a water layer several tens of meters thick.
Visa and customs regulations
For CIS residents, entry into the country is visa-free, and upon departure, you must pay a fee equal to 20 New Zealand dollars. Customs regulations are in line with generally accepted standards.
How to get there
The only international airport of the island state, Hannan, is located next to the capital Alofi and is served by the New Zealand airline Air New Zealand, so you can only get here from New Zealand by air.
Transport
You can get around the island by car, motorcycle or bicycle, since public transport does not exist here. The rental price is low, and you can arrange it at any of the rental points available in almost every village.
The capital of Niue is a small village Alofi with a population of just over 600 people. The city is conditionally divided into northern and southern region, although, in essence, it is one long street with administrative buildings, shops, educational and government offices located on it. The local port has the status of the main port in the country and ships regularly sail from it, ensuring the export of local fruits and vegetables. In addition to the port, there are several berths in the vicinity of Alofi that are used as canoe berths. 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, together with the team, managed to land on land, where they were extremely unfriendly met by the locals, which is why Cook later named Niue Savage, which means "the island of savages."
Niue is one of the most exotic countries on the planet, but tourist map of the world, few people know it, which, however, can be called an additional reason to get to know the island better, especially since it is worth it.
Kitchen
Niue's national cuisine is characterized by coconut delicacies, fish, poultry and beef. 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.
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 have a high degree of comfort, but the cost of accommodation is extremely low, especially when compared to the prices of accommodation in New Zealand.
Niue- an island and state entity 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, Cook Islands and Tonga. Land area - 261.46 km². Population - 1679 people (2006). The capital is the village of Alofi (or Alofis).
The island was discovered to Europeans in 1774 by the British navigator James Cook, who named it Savage, or "Island of the Savages"... In 1900, Niue became a protectorate of the British Empire, and in 1901 it was annexed by New Zealand. In 1974, Niue became a self-governing public entity in partnership 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 official occasions, songs. It consists of two parts: the word niue 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 oldest name for Niue is 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 are - Motu-te-foa (niue Motu-te-fua, which translates to "Island without fruit"), Fakahoa-motu (niue Fakahoa-motu), Nuku Tuluea (niue Nuku-tuluea). All these names fell out of use, and they can only be found in Niuean legends and songs.
Another historical name for Niue, Savage (eng. Savage island), is associated with the name of the famous English navigator James Cook, who became the first European discoverer of the island. Translated from English, this name translates as "Island of the Savages"... This is due to the fact that the English traveler was met with hostility by the local natives.
Geography
The state formation of Niue consists of a raised coral atoll of the same name and three underwater reefs located in the Pacific Ocean in Polynesia between the equator and the Tropic of Capricorn. Niue Island is located about 480 km east of the Tonga Islands, 930 km west of Rarotonga Island, the main island of the Cook Islands, and about 2,400 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 archipelago of Samoa, lying to the northwest and belonging to Samoa and American (Eastern) Samoa.
With a total area of 261.46 km², Niue is 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
Niue's climate is hot and moderately humid. Due to the lack of mountains and a small area, the climatic conditions on the entire island are practically the same. There are two distinct seasons: 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 fluctuates slightly. The maximum daily temperature in January-February is 30 ° C, in July-August it is 26 ° C. Average annual precipitation is about 2,180 mm, although in the rainy season it can sometimes reach 3,300 mm, and in dry months 80-140 mm. The main share of precipitation falls in January-March. Droughts different duration happen at any time of the year, but most of them occur in dry season... The prevailing winds blow from east to south and are influenced by the southeast trade wind zone, which is located on the outskirts of the tropical cyclone belt.
Niue Island is located in the southern part of the tropical cyclone belt and in the southeastern trade wind zone, as a result of which severe storms are observed on the island from April to October. Destructive cyclones hit Niue every ten years.
Flora and fauna
There are 629 vascular plant species on the island of Niue, 175 of which are indigenous. In general, two large zones of defined vegetation can be distinguished on the island: the rainforest of the interior of Niue and the 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 have survived only in the central part of the island, in the east and southeast. They are mainly home to tall trees, with an insignificant amount of shrubs and grass cover in the lower tier of the forest. The largest forest on the island is named Huvalu, and any human activity in it is strictly prohibited. A large area of Niue is covered by secondary forest, which contains more flora than virgin forests. In places where agricultural activity is carried out, small thickets are formed.
In the interior forests, the most common tree species are lat. Syzgium inophylloides, lat. Syzgium richii... Among other plants, lat is ubiquitous. Dysoxylum forsteri, lat. Planchonella torricellensis, lat. Pomentia pinnata, lat. Macaranga seemanii and lat. Fiscus prolixa... The lower layer of vegetation is dominated by lat. Polyscias multijuga, lat. Streblus anthropophagourm, lat. Merremia peltate and different types ferns.
In the coastal zone, mainly the same plants grow as in the hinterland of Niue. However, their distinctive feature is growth retardation. There are numerous shrubs on the shore, 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 species of birds, none of which are endemic, but the subspecies of the spotted whistler larvae (eng. Lalage maculosa) and the Polynesian starling (eng. Aplonis tabuensis) are endemic - lat. Lalage maculosa whitmeei and lat. Aplonis tabuensis brunnescens.
In the coastal waters of Niue, there is also an endemic poisonous flat-tailed snake - lat. Laticauda schystorhyncha(local name - catuali).
The government of Niue pays significant attention to the protection of the environment, and there are several nature reserves on the island. The largest of them is Huvalu Forest Conservation Area, located in the eastern part of the island between the villages of Liku and Hakupu and is home to about 188 thousand animals. The area of the reserve is 54 km². To the south of the village of Hakupu is located heritage site and cultural park Hakupu(eng. Hakupu Heritage and Cultural Park), on the territory of which there are a number of burials and dwellings of the ancient Niueans, as well as the protective zone of flying foxes " Tauga-Peka"(Niue Tauga Peka). South of Cape Macapu is located Anono Marine Reserve(formerly 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 of the local population. Due to the increased outflow of the population to other countries (mainly to New Zealand) the population growth on the island is negative. Prior to 1930, Niue experienced significant population growth, and in 1966, a historic population maximum of 5,194 was reached. However, starting this year, a drop in population followed. In 1994, for the first time in thirty years, there was an increase in population, followed by another depopulation.
The migration process from the island of Niue has a long history. Even from the middle of the 19th century, the Niueans were exported by Europeans to various plantations: the islanders worked on cotton plantations in Samoa, mined phosphorites in Eastern Polynesia. But it was only after the end of World War II that the process of emigration from the island of Niue took on a modern shape. New Zealand, Australia and the United States, which were in need of labor at the time due to significant economic growth, accepted the Niueans 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 of 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; population dissatisfaction 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 1,625 people (the total population that was on the island at the time of the census, including residents and non-residents, was recorded; if residents were abroad, they were not included in the census). By 2009, the CIA estimated that that number had dropped to 1,398. The population decline rate in Niue is high compared to that of other countries in Oceania: 0.032% as of 2009 estimate. The 2006 census showed a decrease in the population by 9% compared to the 2001 census, that is, by 163 people.
For statistical purposes, the population is counted by settlement. In 2006, the largest settlement in terms of population was the village of Alofi, which unites two villages: South Alofi(434 people) and North Alofi(147 people). The second most populous settlement is a village Avatele(164 people). Namukulu- the smallest village on the island (only 14 people). Population growth was recorded in only three localities in relation to 2001: Avatel (an increase of 31%), South Alofi (an increase of 21%) and Tamakautoga (an increase of 12%). In other settlements, the population was declining. The largest losses were in North Alofi (43%), Mutalau (36%) and Makefu and Nakupu (29% each, respectively). The main reason for depopulation, as before, remains emigration to New Zealand, although the population of North Alofi was caused by a change in the borders of the village.
A large diaspora of natives of Niue exists in New Zealand. In 2001, 20,100 Niueans were registered in this country (about 9% of the Oceania population 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 share 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 the residents (or 1,538 people) were Niueans (representatives of the indigenous Polynesian people, whose ancestors are believed to have sailed to the island from Tonga, Samoa and the Pukapuka Islands), 11% (172 people ) - immigrants from other islands of Oceania (mainly Tongans, Tuvalu, Samoans and Fijians), 3% - Europeans, 2.6% - Asians, 2.6% - immigrants from other countries and regions.
According to the 2001 census, the share of Niueans was 80.6%, immigrants from other islands in Oceania - 10.5%, Caucasians - 4.7%, Mongoloids - 0.2% The number of people from marriages of Niueans and residents of other islands of the Pacific Ocean - 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 the Tongan language, Niue makes up the Tongan subgroup of the Polynesian language group. 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. An important role in oral speech is played by the length of vowel sounds, which can change the meaning of the word. In writing, longitude is indicated by a macron. 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). The difference between them mainly lies in the way of word formation and vocabulary (for example, kautoga on motu and lala in tafiti means "guava").
According to the 2006 census, the overwhelming majority of the island's inhabitants (72%) state that 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 residents, the Niuean language is their first language, which they learn from childhood, 12% of islanders learn both Niuean and English from childhood, and only 9% of Niueans English language is their first language. In most households (43%), residents speak both Niuean and English.
Religion
The dominant religion on the island of Niue is Christianity. The first Christian missionary to Niue to land in 1830 was a member of the London Missionary Society, John Williams. Although he did not stay on the island, he took with him two Niueans to study at the mission school, who, after returning to Niue, took up educational work. In general, the process of Christianization of the population proceeded rather slowly and was accompanied by popular discontent due to the fact that the missionaries brought a number of previously unheard of diseases to the island, due to which they died. 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) are Catholics, 8% (127 people) are Mormons, 2% (28 people) are Jehovah's Witnesses. Among other faiths (this is about 9% of the population) there are Methodists, Seventh-day Adventists, Bahá'ís, Sikhs, Hindus, as well as followers of other Christian teachings. During the census, 3% of residents indicated that they are atheists, and 7% did not indicate their religion.
Congregational Christian Church of Niue Congregational Christian Church of Niue) is the largest Christian church in Niue, which is the local branch of the London Missionary Society and became autonomous in 1970. In 1996, she opened an office in Auckland, New Zealand, home to a large diaspora of Niueans.
Transport
Bad transport connection imposes 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 runs along the coast of the island, passing through 13 villages in Niue. There are also two main roads running through the center of the island (the total length is about 230 km). Most of the roads are paved and maintained at a very high level by road services.
There are no natural bays on the island. Nevertheless, the village of Alofi has a pier, which can only be approached by small vessels.
In 1970, Niue was built international Airport Hannan, which was subsequently expanded in 1994 to be able to land on the Boeing 737 aircraft runway. Regular flights to the island are provided by the New Zealand airline " Air New Zealand».
Is absent on the island public transport, most of the inhabitants 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 priority areas of the country's government. The main constraints for the development of tourism are very poor air connections with other countries of the world, the almost complete absence of a developed tourist infrastructure.
In 2002, Niue was visited by 3,155 people. The island is mainly visited by citizens of New Zealand, Australia, European countries, the USA and Canada.
- Niue is the largest and tallest elevated atoll in the world.
- In 1996, there were 2,089 Niueans in Niue and 18,474 Niueans in New Zealand.
- Niue's Internet domain, .nu, was registered by an American businessman William Semich, who, back in 1997, applied to ICANN and received the rights to administer it and sell names, providing in exchange the residents of Niue with free access to the Internet. Semich's annual turnover NU Domain is about $ 4 million.
- According to Computerra magazine, Niue's Internet domain, .nu, has attracted exploiters and attracts crooks by registering anonymously.
- On August 21, 2008, every junior and high school student in Niue received an XO laptop distributed through the initiative One Laptop Per Child. Island State OLPC Administration donated 500 laptops.
- August 3, 2011 at an altitude of 20 km. meteorite exploded
Useful data for tourists about Niue, cities and resorts of the country. As well as information about the population, currency of Niue, cuisine, peculiarities of visa and customs restrictions in Niue.
Geography of Niue
Niue, or Savage, is an island and a state entity 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, Cook Islands, Tonga and French Polynesia.
The state formation of Niue consists of a raised coral atoll of the same name and three underwater reefs. It is the largest raised atoll in the world.
Niue was once an active volcano, which went extinct about 3 million years ago, and its upper part, located above sea level, was subjected to severe erosion due to natural factors (rain, ocean waves).
State
State structure
Niue is a self-governing public entity in free association with New Zealand. The head of state is the monarch of Great Britain, whose representative on the island is the high commissioner. The prime minister is the head of government. The highest legislative body is the unicameral Legislative Assembly.
Language
Official language: niue, english
Most of the residents speak both state languages. The Niuean language is represented by two dialects: motu (the dialect of the northern part of the island, it is more ancient) and tafiti (the dialect of the southern part of the island, more modern).
Religion
The majority of believers (about 97%) are Christians. Most (61.1%) of the island's population considers itself to be adherents of the so-called Ekalesia-Niue ( protestant church Niue, which has close ties with the London Missionary Society)
Currency
International name: NZD
The New Zealand dollar is equal to 100 cents. In circulation there 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 dollars and Australian dollars.
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. Travel checks can be cashed at most banking institutions on the island.
Niue Map
Popular attractions
Niue Tourism
Popular hotels
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
Retail outlets are usually open Monday through Saturday from 08:00 to 16:00, however many private shops operate on their own schedule.
There is no sales tax or VAT in Niue.
The medicine
Emergency telephones
Unified rescue service (fire brigade, police and ambulance) - 999.
Ambulance - 998 (Lord Liverpool Hospital) or 41-00 (Medical & Dental Center).
Central Police Office - 43-33.
Fire department - 41-33.
National characteristics 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 the permits issued).
Spearfishing with harpoon weapons is prohibited. Also, special attention is paid to the careful treatment of coral reefs.
