The Largest Villages In Niue

Located in the South Pacific Ocean, Niue is an island nation, and the village of Alofi is its capital. It lies in the northeast side of New Zealand, southern side of Samoa, eastern part of Tonga and western side of Cook Islands. It has a land area of 260 square kilometers, and Polynesians dominate its population. Niue being a self-governing state has free association with New Zealand. Thus, New Zealand is responsible in maintaining diplomatic relations on behalf of Niue. Queen Elizabeth II is the Head of the State, just as she is the nominal Queen of nearby New Zealand. Niue is divided into 14 villages among which Alofi South, Alofi North and Hakupu are the largest of all.

Alofi

Alofi is the capital of the island nation of Niue. A special feature of Alofi is that it is the second smallest capital in the world in terms of population. It has two villages, Alofi South and Alofi North, which act as the headquarters of the government. Existence of an International Airport in the town helps it to access with the rest of the world. Most of the country’s industries are located here in this capital town. This area has been marked with most of the steep limestone cliffs, and cyclone Hete of 2004 had hit the place and extensively damaged it.

Hakupu

Hakupu is a village located in the southeast of the island, and has connecting roads with the capital in Alofi and other surrounding villages. Hakupu is the third largest village in Niue.

Avatele

Avatele is the next most populous village in Niue, with Avatele Beach being the largest beach on the island, and the main sea track of the village. This beach attracts major tourism of the country.

Economy of the Region

The economy of Niue is mostly dependent on the foreign aid assistance that comes from New Zealand. The island has seen the most number of migrations to New Zealand, and has suffered a serious loss because of this. Cyclone of Hete was a major setback to its economy as most of the infrastructure was damaged. The government had joint ventures with New Zealand to develop fisheries, and Niue is negotiating free trade agreements with pacific countries to improve its economy.

Agriculture and Tourism

Agriculture is the most important sector of the country’s economy. The self-sufficiency manner of farming is very popular with the people here as most of them grow Taro in their house. Taro is the staple food of Niue and majorly exported to New Zealand and Australia. Most of the families have plantations of their own crops, and the surplus produce gets exported to New Zealand.

Tourism is the next most important sector, which Niue is trying to develop to improve its economy overall. Niue international airport is the only airport, and Air New Zealand is the only airlines flying out of Niue. Alofi Bay, beaches, and sailing attract the tourists.

There are very few non-locals residing on the island. They are, however, tolerated accepted, and expatriates often provide technical assistance to the government. As previously mentioned, the economy of the island depends on the foreign aid from different countries, especially that from New Zealand.