7 November 2012 Last updated at 05:19 ET

Tokelau profile

Head of state: Queen Elizabeth II

Administrator: Jonathan Kings

Head of government: Keli Hiano Kalolo

Tokelau head of government Keli Hiano Kalolo Keli Hiano Kalolo

Political leadership revolves around three Faipule, or village heads, who take it in turns to oversee a cabinet - the Council for Ongoing Government - for a year.

Keli Hiano Kalolo took up the rotating post of Ulu or titular head of government in February 2012.

The General Fono, an assembly of elected delegates, handles local legislative affairs. It is also responsible for the territory's budget.

Each atoll has a Taupulega, or Council of Elders.

Tokelau is a non-self-governing territory and has been administered by New Zealand since 1926. The Administrator of Tokelau is appointed by the New Zealand government and is responsible for supervising the government of the territory.

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