Country name
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Tokelau

Data code TL

Dependency status territory of New Zealand; note - Tokelauans are drafting a constitution, developing institutions and patterns of self-government as Tokelau moves toward fee association with Wellington

Government type NA

National capital none; each atoll has its own administrative center

Administrative divisions none (territory of New Zealand)

Independence none (territory of New Zealand)

National holiday Waitangi Day, 6 February (1840) (Treaty of Waitangi established British sovereignty over New Zealand)

Constitution administered under the Tokelau Islands Act of 1948, as amended in 1970

Legal system British and local statutes

Suffrage 21 years of age; universal

Executive branch
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II of the UK (since 6 February 1952); the queen and New Zealand are represented by Administrator Lindsay WATT (since NA March 1993)
head of government: Aliki Faipule FALIMATEAO (since NA 1997)
cabinet: the Council of Faipule, consisting of three elected leaders, one from each atoll; functions as a cabinet
elections: none; the queen is a hereditary monarch; administrator appointed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade in New Zealand; the head of government is chosen from the Council of Faipule and serves a one-year term

Legislative branch unicameral General Fono (45 seats - 15 from each of the three atolls; members chosen by each atoll's Council of Elders or Taupulega to serve three-year terms); note - the Tokelau Amendment Act of 1996 confers legislative power on the General Fono

Judicial branch Supreme Court in New Zealand exercises civil and criminal jurisdiction

Political parties and leaders none

International organization participation SPC, WHO (associate)

Diplomatic representation in the US none (territory of New Zealand)

Diplomatic representation from the US none (territory of New Zealand)

Flag description the flag of New Zealand is used

NOTE: The information regarding Tokelau on this page is re-published from the 1998 World Fact Book of the United States Central Intelligence Agency. No claims are made regarding the accuracy of Tokelau Government 1998 information contained here. All suggestions for corrections of any errors about Tokelau Government 1998 should be addressed to the CIA.