A former British protectorate and colony, the small New Zealand territory of Tokelau in the South Pacific, with a population of 1,500 inhabitants, derives its name from the Polynesian word for North Wind. The islands consist of three coral islets, Atafu, Nukunonu, and Fakaofo, and were first settled by migrants from surrounding Polynesian islands and then later by European missionaries and whalers in the 19th century. They were previously known as the Union Islands
but took the new name of Tokelau Islands in 1946. Sovereignty of the Polynesian territory was granted to New Zealand in 1948.In 2011, Tokelau changed time zones to move closer to New Zealand and Australia, its main trade partners.

but took the new name of Tokelau Islands in 1946. Sovereignty of the Polynesian territory was granted to New Zealand in 1948.In 2011, Tokelau changed time zones to move closer to New Zealand and Australia, its main trade partners.