Tokelau Map: Regions, Geography, Facts & Figures

Tokelau is a remote group of three coral atolls in the South Pacific Ocean, situated roughly halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand. A map of Tokelau shows the islands of Atafu, Nukunonu, and Fakaofo, which together form one of the smallest and most isolated territories in the world. With no airport and limited boat access, Tokelau is truly off the beaten path.

Though small in size and population, Tokelau holds cultural richness, strong Polynesian traditions, and a unique governance structure as a dependent territory of New Zealand. Its geography consists almost entirely of low-lying coral formations, with no rivers, hills, or highlands.

Source: The World Factbook 1998

Tokelau Profile

History of Tokelau

Tokelau was originally settled by Polynesian navigators centuries ago and has maintained strong ancestral links with Samoa. European contact began in the 18th century, followed by British colonial interest in the 19th century. The islands were later administered by New Zealand beginning in 1926.

Despite discussions over the years about achieving self-governance, Tokelau remains a non-self-governing territory under New Zealand’s administration. The people of Tokelau continue to preserve their language, customs, and communal way of life while maintaining strong ties with New Zealand and nearby Pacific nations.

Geography of Tokelau

Tokelau comprises three small coral atolls:

Atafu in the northwest
Nukunonu in the center
Fakaofo in the southeast

Together, they cover just 12 square kilometers. The islands are extremely flat and surrounded by coral reefs, with a central lagoon in each atoll. There are no airports, so travel between the atolls and to other countries is done by sea.

Due to its isolation, Tokelau faces environmental challenges such as rising sea levels and limited freshwater resources. Solar energy has become a major power source, and the region is notable for its efforts toward sustainability.