Niue

 

The island is located in the Pacific Ocean (Polynesia). It is part of the Kingdom of New Zealand.

 

Language.

Niue, English.

 

 

Time.

The time difference between Moscow and Niue’s capital, Alofi, is 14 hours.

 

Population.

1,625 people (2006). Ethnic composition: Niueans, descendants of the inhabitants of the other islands of Oceania, Europeans, Asians, people from other countries.

 

 

Religion.

62% of the population of the island are believers of the Protestant Congregational Christian Church, 9% are Catholics, 8% are Mormons, 2% are Jehovah’s Witnesses, the rest of the inhabitants are considered believers of other teachings (methodists, Baha’is, Hindus, etc.).

 

Climate.

Tropical, marine, trade wind. In July (winter on the island) the average air temperature is + 18 C, in January (summer on the island) the air warms up from + 24 C to + 27 C.

The sea water temperature is comfortable about + 29 C.

Precipitation: from 800 mm to 2200 mm per year. Cyclones are possible from December to March.

 

 

Currency.

New Zealand dollar.

 

Visa regime.

Russians do not need a visa to travel to Niue, unless the period of travel does not exceed 30 days.

 

Customs regulations.

It is possible to import the New Zealand dollar unlimitedly, and to import other New Zealand means of payment you need a permit document of the Reserve Bank.

It is forbidden to import pets, drugs, psychotropic substances, ammunition, food. Gold and precious metal products must be declared. Wood products, seeds and plants are subject to inspection.

It is forbidden to export corals, shells, feathers of birds, bones of birds and their products. Plants and animals that are under state protection cannot be exported.

 

 

Resorts.

The island of Niue is of coral origin (the largest island of this type in the world).

Surfers come to the island to ride the waves from October to January, divers and snorkel lovers to admire the rich underwater life.

In the eastern part of the island are the Huvalu rainforest, in this reserve are wild cats, swamp chickens, Polynesian rat and bats.

 

Kitchen.

The cuisine of the island of Niue is traditional for this region: the main products are fish, nuts, coconut fruits. Local dishes have a lot of greens, fruits and vegetables, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, bananas, papaya, breadfruit fruits, pod peppers and yams are served.

Fish and seafood are fried on coals, smoked, baked in an earthen oven "umu" or fried in a hot pan. In meat dishes, pork, beef, chicken are used.

Traditional delicacies: local fern "Luku"; "ota" - pickled fish in lime juice; "uga" - coconut crabs. From the local root "ti" prepare sweets (a delicious drink or candy).

 

 

Traditions.

Niue culture is bright, colorful and peculiar. Singing, choral singing, dancing, playing musical instruments play a huge role in the lives of the inhabitants of Niue, and are carefully transmitted from generation to generation.

The islanders are proud of their customs and practice them: for example, there is a special attitude towards men and first-borns of the family; everywhere respect for elders and obedience to them is preserved. Children are usually treated with great care and attention.

Most of the local ceremonies are devoted to food procurement: fishing, processing the root of onions. On the island there is a custom to celebrate the holiday of coming of age - boys cut off the long tail of hair, which they grow since childhood, and girls for the first time in their lives pierced ears to wear earrings. Each person who is present at the holiday can contribute a certain amount to the Fund for his further education.

When photographing, you must ask permission from local residents. Handshaking is considered a common form of greeting. In local houses, shoes should be removed, the feet should not be facing those present. Giving money is not accepted.

Sunday is considered a day of silence, when it is customary to attend church and when all noisy entertainment activities are prohibited. The attitude to clothing among the islanders is peculiar: at the same time, adherence to solemn formalities and democratic style in clothes are valued.