Niue is the largest raised coral atoll in the world with a total land area of 261 km2. It is situated at 169.55 W and 19.02 S, some 2,400km north east of Auckland, New Zealand and 3900 km north east of Sydney Australia. The island stands alone; its closest neighbour Tonga lies 480 km to the south.
Niueans are Polynesians with a distinct language and culture. Traditional Niuean society is characterised by an absence of a hereditary chiefly system.
Niueans are New Zealand citizens resulting in just over 20,000 living there with barely 2,000 living on the island.
