Cruising to TokelauBackgroundOriginally settled by Polynesian emigrants from surrounding island groups, the Tokelau Islands were made a British protectorate in 1889. They were transferred to New Zealand administration in 1925. GeographyLocation: Oceania, group of three atolls in the South Pacific Ocean,
about one-half of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand Coastline101 km Maritime claimsTerritorial sea: 12 nm ClimateTropical; moderated by trade winds (April to November) TerrainLow-lying coral atolls enclosing large lagoons Elevation extremesLowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m EconomyTokelau's small size (three villages), isolation, and lack of resources greatly restrain economic development and confine agriculture to the subsistence level. The people rely heavily on aid from New Zealand - about $4 million annually - to maintain public services, with annual aid being substantially greater than GDP. The principal sources of revenue come from sales of copra, postage stamps, souvenir coins, and handicrafts. Money is also remitted to families from relatives in New Zealand. TransportationAirports: none; lagoon landings are possible by amphibious aircraft (2005) Sailing Specifics: Ports and terminalsNone; offshore anchorage only Other Sailing Destinations in the RegionAmerican Samoa - Australia - Cook Island - Easter Islands (Chile) - Federation of Micronesia - Fiji - Guam - USA (Hawaii) - Kiribati - Marshall Islands - Nauru - New Caledonia - New Zealand - Niue - Norfolk Island - Northern Mariana Islands - Palau - Papua New Guinea - Pitcairn Island - Samoa - Solomon Island - Tokelau - Tonga - Tuvalu - Vanuatu - Wallis and Futuna Further Reading |
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