| Tokelau, overseas
territory of New Zealand, consisting of the Tokelau Islands, in the southwestern
Pacific Ocean. It comprises three coral atolls-Atafu, Fakaofo, and Nukunonu-and
has a total area of 10 sq km (4 sq mi). Copra and woven handicrafts are
the principal exports. The islands were first visited by the British in
1765 and became a British protectorate in 1877. Administration of the islands
was transferred to New Zealand in 1926, and in 1948 they were included within
its territorial boundaries. In 1976 the territory's name was officially
changed from Tokelau Islands to Tokelau. Population (1991) 1577. |