Niue (pronounced
/ni?'?u?e?/, /'nju?e?/ in English) is an
island nation located in the South
Pacific Ocean. It is commonly known as the "Rock of
Polynesia". Natives of the island call it "the Rock".
Self governing, Niue is in free association with New Zealand, meaning that Queen Elizabeth II is also Niue's head of state. Most diplomatic relations are conducted by New Zealand on Niue's behalf.
Niue is 2,400 kilometres northeast of New Zealand in a triangle between Tonga, Samoa, and the Cook Islands. The Niuean language and the English language are taught in schools and both are used in day-to-day business and communications. The people are predominantly Polynesian.
Niue was settled by Polynesian sailors from Samoa around 900 AD.[3] Further settlers (or invaders) arrived from Tonga in the 16th century.[4]
