niua

Niua refers to a group of three islands in the north of Tonga. These islands are the northernmost in the Tongan archipelago. The islands are known as Niuafo'ou, Niuatoputapu, and Tafahi. Niuafo'ou is the largest of the three, but it is volcanically active and was evacuated in 1946 due to eruptions. Its inhabitants were resettled on other islands, although some have since returned. Niuatoputapu is known for its fertile land and its history as a significant trading post. Tafahi is a small, uninhabited island, though it is sometimes visited by locals.

The people of the Niua islands have their own distinct cultural traditions and dialect, though they are part of the broader Tongan culture. Historically, these islands played a role in Polynesian navigation and settlement patterns. The economy of the Niua islands is primarily based on agriculture, with crops such as taro, yams, and coconuts being cultivated. Fishing also contributes to the local livelihood. Access to the Niua islands is typically by sea or by infrequent air travel. The remoteness of these islands has contributed to the preservation of their unique cultural heritage.