Talofian Islands

The Talofian Islands (officially referred to as the Territory of Talofa) are an island archipelago located in the South Pacific, consisting of 7 major islands (Tele'e, Ma'ai, Tafetafea, Stewart, Umi, Sisifo, and Tasi), 14 minor islands, 5 islets, and 17 atolls. Talofa is located approximately 200 miles northeast of Samoa, 115 miles southeast of Tokelau, 530 miles southwest of Kiribati, and 900 miles west of the Cook Islands. The capital and largest city, containing about 97 percent of the total population, is Faga. The history of Talofa is rich and storied, starting with the arrival of Samoans on what is now known as Tasi, around 2000 BCE. The birth of Aitoari'i Tui'atua the 1st began the dynasty that would later evolve into what is now known as the Talotui'atua family, or the royal family of Talofa. In the 19th century, American traders would begin to flock to the isles, ultimately resulting in an American occupation and takeover, in which Aolani Talotui'atua would cede royal power to the United States government. Today the archipelago remains a territory of the United States, though the monarchy still remains, though does not make any formal decisions.