Demographics

The population of Niue decreased from a peak of 5194 in 1966, to 2322 in 1991, 1788 in 2001 and an estimated residents of 1538 in 2006, with 756 males and 782 females. There is substantial emigration to New Zealand because of Niue’s lack of natural resources, its isolation and insufficient social and economic development, and because Niueans hold New Zealand citizenship. The 2001 New Zealand census listed 20 148 Niueans in the New Zealand population.

Population density is estimated at six persons per square kilometre, with 38% living in urban areas. Children under the age of 15 years make up 26.7% of the population, and adults 65 years and older 10.7%. The crude birth rate is 15.8 per 1000 population and the crude death rate 9.3 per 1000 population.

The groundwater supply is safe and potable for human consumption and coverage of safe water sanitation facilities is 100% (2004). AusAID supported the development of the national waste management plan.

Political situation

Niue is a self-governing nation in free association with New Zealand. The head of government is Premier Young Viviani of the Niue People's Party. The head of state is Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

The Legislative Assembly is Niue’s supreme law-making body. It has 20 members, six elected from a common roll and 14 as village representatives. The Legislative Assembly is responsible for electing the Premier. Elections are held every three years by secret ballot under a system of universal suffrage.

Socioeconomic situation

The economy is dependent on limited agricultural exports and the sale of fishing rights. The sale of postage stamps to foreign collectors is also an important source of revenue. The gap between domestic production and demand for goods and services is very wide. The resulting trade deficit makes the economy heavily dependent on foreign aid, most of which comes from New Zealand, and remittances from Niueans living abroad.

In 2003, the gross domestic product (GDP) at current prices was NZD 17 252 000 (US$ 10 030 232); per capita GDP stood at NZD 10 048 (US$ 5841.9).

The New Zealand High Commissioner’s Office, the only diplomatic mission in Niue, manages the projects of the New Zealand Official Development Assistance (NZODA). Niue also receives aid from the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), the Government of Japan and other international agencies. WHO contributed US$ 101 000 in 2000-2001, and US$ 97 000 in 2002-2003. With a deficit of NZD 1 199 772 (US$ 844 186), the Government is facing a financial crisis.

The monthly boat between New Zealand and Niue, which provides essential supplies for daily living, illustrates Niue’s isolation. Plans to develop tourism are under way, but are necessarily limited by a dependence on other countries’ airlines to service Niue. Royal Tonga operates a small twin otter aircraft for passenger service three times a week between Nukualofa, Tonga and Niue. Polynesian Airlines has a service from Apia to Auckland via Niue twice a week.

Vulnerabilities and hazards

No available information.

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