Tokelau has world's second-smallest population

Embargoed until 10:45am – 16 December 2011

Tokelau has the world's second-smallest population. Tokelau's five-yearly population and dwelling census showed a final de jure usually resident population count of 1,411 people. The 2011 Tokelau Census was successfully held on Tuesday 18 October 2011.

Tokelau's population decreased by 3.8 percent, according to figures released today by Statistics New Zealand and the Tokelau Statistics Unit. In the 2006 Census, Tokelau’s population was 1,466 people.

While the de jure population decreased, the total number of people living on the atolls at the time of the census increased from the 2006 Tokelau Census. The decrease in the population was influenced by a large fall in the number of people temporarily absent from Tokelau.

"Understanding the demographic make-up of the population is vital for planning local services," 2011 Tokelau Census Manager, Kele Lui said. "Of particular interest is understanding the proportion and characteristics of Tokelauans who are overseas at any one time for travel, education, and health reasons."

The de jure population count is of major interest to Tokelauan users, as it will be used for distributing funds to the three atolls.

There was a slight increase (1.4 percent) in the number of people living on Fakaofo atoll, with decreases on Nukunonu (7 percent) and Atafu (8 percent).

Tokelau has the world's second-smallest population after the Vatican City. More detailed population and dwelling counts are also available in Final count for the 2011 Tokelau Census of Population and Dwellings.

In early 2012, Statistics New Zealand will publish further information releases based on data from the 2011 Tokelau Census. These will provide a wealth of information about Tokelau's people, households, and dwellings.

Kele Lui 16 December 2011

2011 Tokelau Census Manager

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