Ethnic divisions: all Polynesian, with cultural ties to Western
Samoa
Religion: Congregational Christian Church 70%, Roman Catholic
28%, other 2%; on Atafu, all Congregational Christian Church of Samoa; on
Nukunonu, all Roman Catholic; on Fakaofo, both denominations, with the
Congregational Christian Church predominant
Language: Tokelauan (a Polynesian language) and English
Literacy: NA% (male NA%, female NA%)
Labor force: NA
Organized labor: NA
GOVERNMENT
Long-form name: none
Type: territory of New Zealand
Capital: none, each atoll has its own administrative center
Administrative divisions: none (territory of New Zealand)
Independence: none (territory of New Zealand)
Constitution: administered under the Tokelau Islands Act of 1948,
as amended in 1970
Legal system: British and local statutes
National holiday: Waitangi Day (Treaty of Waitangi established
British sovereignty over New Zealand), 6 February (1840)
Executive branch: administrator (appointed by the Minister of
Foreign Affairs in New Zealand), official secretary
Legislative branch: Council of Elders (Taupulega) on each atoll
Judicial branch: High Court in Niue, Supreme Court in New Zealand
Leaders:
Chief of State--Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952);
Head of Government--Administrator Neil WALTER; Official Secretary
M. NORRISH, Office of Tokelau Affairs
Suffrage: NA
Elections: NA
Communists: probably none
Member of: SPC
Diplomatic representation: none (territory of New Zealand)
Flag: the flag of New Zealand is used
ECONOMY
Overview: Tokelau's small size, isolation, and lack of resources
greatly restrain economic development and confine agriculture to the
subsistence level. The people must rely on aid from New Zealand to
maintain public services, annual aid being substantially greater than
GDP. The principal sources of revenue come from sales of copra, postage
stamps, souvenir coins, and handicrafts. Money is also remitted to
families from relatives in New Zealand.
GDP: $1.4 million, per capita $800; real growth rate NA%
(1988 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA%
Unemployment rate: NA%
Budget: revenues $430,830; expenditures $2.8 million, including
capital expenditures of $37,300 (FY87)
Exports: $98,000 (f.o.b., 1983);
commodities--stamps, copra, handicrafts;
partners--NZ
Imports: $323,400 (c.i.f., 1983);
commodities--foodstuffs, building materials, fuel;
