Located in the South Pacific Ocean, Niue is an island nation, and the village of Alofi is its capital. It lies in the northeast side of New Zealand, southern side of Samoa, eastern part of Tonga and western side of Cook Islands. It has a land area of 260 square kilometers, and Polynesians dominate its population. Niue being a self-governing state has free association with New Zealand. Thus, New Zealand is responsible in maintaining diplomatic relations on behalf of Niue. Queen Elizabeth II is the Head of the State, just as she is the nominal Queen of nearby New Zealand. Niue is divided into 14 villages among which Alofi South, Alofi North and Hakupu are the largest of all.