Demographics

The estimated resident population of Tokelau in 2006 was 1466, 35% below 15 years of age and 7.4% were above 65 years. Life expectancy at birth is 68 years for males and 71 years for females (1997-2000). The crude birth rate is 31.0 per 1000 population (1997-2001) and the crude death rate is 7.0 per 1000 population (1997-2001).

Political situation

The constraints of atoll life and limited opportunities have led some 6000 Tokelauans to settle in New Zealand and a few hundred more in Samoa. Tokelauans have linguistic, family and cultural links with other Pacific islands, notably Samoa and Tuvalu. The family and extended family constitute the core of social organization, with the village (nuku) being the foundation of Tokelauan society. Community welfare is paramount in what has been traditionally a subsistence environment.

Socioeconomic situation

Per capita gross national product (GNP) is US$ 612.50 or about NZ$ 1000 (2003). The economy is basically subsistence, although cash is now becoming an important part of everyday life. The country’s resource base is fragile, as very little land is available for any agricultural endeavour without substantial preparation and support. Marine resources have not been fully explored as yet, and ocean and lagoon fish form a stable constituent of the local diet. While there is no significant agricultural activity owing to the limited and infertile coral land, Tokelauans raise pigs and chickens and have access to traditional crops, such as coconut and breadfruit, as well as limited quantities of pandanus fruit and taro. However, there is increasing evidence of over-reliance on imported, processed foods, which is contributing to lifestyle-related diseases.

Vulnerabilities and hazards

No available information.

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