Atafu Map

Description:

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Description:

Atafu is the northernmost and smallest atoll of the Tokelau group, located in the South Pacific Ocean. It lies approximately 500 kilometers north of Samoa and consists of 42 coral islets surrounding a central lagoon. The atoll has a total land area of about 2.5 square kilometers.

The population of Atafu is around 550 people, concentrated mainly in the village of the same name on the western side of the atoll. The inhabitants primarily engage in subsistence fishing and coconut cultivation. The atoll's economy is based on these traditional activities, along with remittances from Tokelauans working abroad.

The atoll was first sighted by European explorers in 1765 when Commodore John Byron encountered it aboard HMS Dolphin. Originally, it was named Duke of York Island. The traditional Polynesian name "Atafu" has been used since the island became part of the British colonial empire in the late 19th century.

Like other Tokelauan atolls, Atafu faces significant challenges from climate change and rising sea levels. The highest point of the atoll is only 5 meters above sea level. The island has no airport, and access is only possible by boat, with regular ferry services connecting it to other Tokelauan atolls and Samoa.

The Facts:
Population: ~ 550.
Area: 1 sq mi (2.5 sq km).
Villages: Atafu Village.
Islands: Fogalaki i Lalo, Fogalaki-Matangi, Te Oki, Te Hepu, Laualalava, Na Hapiti, Niuefa, Fenualoa, Te Kapi, Na Utua, Motu Atea, Motu Fakalalo, Tama Hakea, Hakea Lahi ki Matagi, Hakea O Himi, Malatea, Kenakena, Hakea o Apelamo, Na Hapiti, Niuefa, Fenualoa, Te Puka, Tamaheko, Te Alofi, Malo o Futa, Motu o Te Lakia, Komulo, Tulua a Kovi, Tagi a Kuli, Hakea o Himi, Tulua a Kava, Motu o te Niu, Malatea, Hakela Lahi i Lalo, Hotoma, Hakea o Apelamo, Hakea o Hoi, Hakea o Fata, Kenakena, Matu o Tenumi, Matu o te Lakia, Motu Fakaka kai, Malo o Futa, Malo o Futa, Motu o te Fala, Tafega, Komulo, Te Puka, Tamaheko, Te Alofi, Ulugagie, Atafu.