Legislative branch:
unicameral General Fono (21 seats; based upon proportional
representation from the three islands elected by popular vote to
serve three-year terms; Nukunonu has 6 seats, Fakaofo has 7 seats,
Atafu has 8 seats); note - the Tokelau Amendment Act of 1996 confers
limited legislative power on the General Fono
elections: last held January 2005 (next to be held January 2008)
Judicial branch:
Supreme Court in New Zealand exercises civil and criminal
jurisdiction in Tokelau
Political parties and leaders:
none
Political pressure groups and leaders:
none
International organization participation:
PIF (observer), SPC, UNESCO (associate), UPU
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
Economy Tokelau
Economy - overview:
Tokelau's small size (three villages), isolation, and lack of
resources greatly restrain economic development and confine
agriculture to the subsistence level. The people rely heavily on aid
from New Zealand - about $4 million annually - to maintain public
services, with annual aid being substantially greater than GDP. The
principal sources of revenue come from sales of copra, postage
stamps, souvenir coins, and handicrafts. Money is also remitted to
families from relatives in New Zealand.