LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Niue: Island
built 629 days ago
The majority of residents of Niue are Polynesians, although a small number of Europeans, Samoans, and Tongans live there. The official languages are Niuean, a Polynesian language closely related to Tongan and Samoan, and English. The population (1994 estimate) is approximately 1,906, yielding a population density of about 7 people per sq km (19 per sq mi). About half the people live in and around the capital, Alofi, on the island’s western coast; others live in villages scattered along a road that circles the island. Niue’s population has been in decline since the 1980s due to limited economic opportunities. Incentives for them to return have been unsuccessful.
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Covering an area of 259sq km, Niue is believed to be the world’s largest upraised coral atoll. It has a rugged coastline with small coves rather than the long sandy beaches typical of many South Pacific islands. Niueis dotted with numerous limestone caves filled with stalactites and stalagmites. Some of the caves on dry land are used for the storage of canoes while others were once ancient burial sites. Guides are available to take travellers to the more remote sites. Lush rainforest covers large areas of Niue, abounding in myths and legends, and there are bushwalks in the Huvalu Forest conservation area.
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The economy of Niue has two branches. One is guano mining which though prosperus threatens the islands very earthly existence since you are not to carve away the pile of dung you are sitting at.
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Niue entered the 'modern' era in 1774, with the arrival of that most intrepid Yorkshiremen, Captain James Cook. Finding the islanders less welcoming, Cook dubbed the landfall 'Savage Island', in contrast to the Tongans' 'Friendly Islands'. Cook's attempts to land were repulsed on three occasions, a fact which the friendly locals have been trying to atone for ever since. Christianity came to the island in 1846 thanks to the efforts of one of Niue's most famous sons, Peniamina, who converted to the religion whilst on Samoa.
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In this image of Niue many of the islands man-made features are visible. These include the runway of Hanaan Airport south of the capital Alofi. Alofi itself, can be seen as the area of white dots along the large bay at the bottom left. Running around the island is the circle island road along which several of the islands villages are to be seen. Prominent among these are Liku, Lakepa, Toi and Hikutavake — from right to left along the west and north coasts.
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Niue is well known for its spectacular limestone cave and the unique scenic and historical areas throughout the island. The whole island is dotted with myriads of caves that have yet to be explored. The flora and fauna are spectacular particularly in the untouched Huvalu forest which is a conservation area.
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