Background Originally settled by Polynesian emigrants from surrounding island groups, the Tokelau Islands were made a British protectorate in 1889. They were transferred to New Zealand administration in 1925.

NOTE: The information regarding Tokelau on this page is re-published from the 2002 World Fact Book of the United States Central Intelligence Agency. No claims are made regarding the accuracy of Tokelau Introduction 2002 information contained here. All suggestions for corrections of any errors about Tokelau Introduction 2002 should be addressed to the CIA.