History
The first people to settle on Tokelau were Polynesians.

Tokelau became a British Protectorate in the latter part of the nineteenth century.

In 1916 the islands of Tokelau were annexed by the UK and administered with the Gilbert Island (Kiribati) and the Ellice Islands (Tuvalu).

In 1925 Tokelau came under the administration of New Zealand. The Tokelau Act (1948) made Tokelau part of New Zealand.

Tokelau is a self-administering territory of New Zealand. Self-government with free association with New Zealand is under consideration.

A referendum in 2007 did not produce the majority vote necessary to change Tokelau's political status.

Economy
Tokelau benefits from grants from New Zealand.

Islanders fish and grow their own fruit and vegetables: bananas, coconuts, papayas, breadfruit and taro. Chickens, pigs, and goats are reared.

Industry includes copra production and handicrafts.

A fish processing plant operates on Atafu.

Revenue is received from the sale of fishing licences.

Tokelau also earns money from its internet domain letters (tk) and the sale of postage stamps.

Remittances from Tokelauans working in New Zealand are important to the economy. (2011)

Arts
Ocean voyaging is an important part of Polynesian history. Today, the traditional Polynesian canoe is still used.

Polynesian music and dance takes place at festivals and on special occasions.

Sport
Tokelauan cricket is a popular spectator sport. Rugby and football are also played.

Holidays
All religious holidays are celebrated. Waitangi Day is on 6 February (1840).

The Treaty of Waitangi established British sovereignty over New Zealand.

News
News from the Tokelau is available from Newslink.

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