Niue's resident population is around 1,700, making it one of the least populous self-governing nations on earth. The figure has been declining for decades due to emigration, primarily to New Zealand. The Niuean diaspora in Auckland alone is estimated to be several times larger than the population at home.
Most residents identify as ethnically Niuean — a Polynesian people with cultural and linguistic ties to Tonga and Samoa. There are also small communities of Tuvaluans, Samoans, Tongans, and other Pacific Islanders, reflecting the broader regional connections common across Polynesia.
Niuean is the traditional language, related to Tongan and Samoan. English is also an official language and is widely spoken, particularly in government and business. Most Niueans are bilingual.
Christianity is central to community life. The main denomination is the Ekalesia Niue (the Niuean Church, historically connected to the London Missionary Society), followed by the Church of Latter-Day Saints and a smaller proportion of Roman Catholics and other denominations. Sunday observance is taken seriously — businesses close, and the island quietens considerably.
Niuean culture, known as Taoga Niue, emphasises ancestral knowledge, community, and the land. Traditional practices including weaving, earth-oven cooking, and fishing remain part of daily life. Village Show Days — where communities compete and celebrate through food, crafts, and performance — are important annual events.
Despite the small population, Niueans are notably open to visitors. The island sees few enough tourists that interactions feel genuine rather than transactional.