Tokelau - meaning 'north' in the Polynesian language - is a small island, consisting of three atolls, some 500 miles from Western Samoa and is inhabited by less then 1500 people. The central atoll, Nukunonu, is 92km from Atafu and 64km from Fakaofo. Occupying just 17 square kilometres (12 square miles), the only way to get to Tokelau is by travelling by boat for some 42 hours. The island's languages are Tokelauan, English and Samoan.

The island is so remote and has little means for trading and development, and therefore it is also quite poor.

Further Information

• Tokelau Magic has lots of information about the island. It also acts as a focal point for the Tokelau diaspora to keep in touch with events on the island.

• Origin stories supplies information on the mythology surrounding the island and the outlying atolls. It also tells the story of the spirits Hemoana and Fenu.

• The tiny red dot on this world map pin-points the exact location of Tokelau.

• Check out the weather for Tokelau before you decide to visit...