The island of Niue was probably settled by Tongan and Samoan immigrants some 1,000 to 1,500 years ago. Through oral history, the names of the five original settlers are known, as well as accounts of the introduction of the coconut, inter-village rivalries, and contacts with other islands. Today Niue has a population of about 2,000 people. At its peak, the population reached 6,000, but the relative lack of economic opportunity and resulting emigration have caused the decrease in the number to present levels.
Some villages seem almost deserted, and there are many vacant houses.
Nearly everyone has close ties to someone overseas, and overseas visits are common. About 15,000 Niueans live in New Zealand . Towards the end of the 19th century Niue asked for British protection , which was granted in 1900. The following year the island was annexed by New Zealand as part of the Cook Islands , although a few years later it was granted separate status. In 1974 Niue became a self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand, with its population retaining New Zealand citizenship.