Verified Facts

Official NamePitcairn Group of Islands
CapitalAdamstown
Population35
Area47.0 km²
LanguagesEnglish
CurrencyNew Zealand dollar ($)
TimezoneUTC-08:00
RegionOceania / Polynesia
Drives onLeft
Source: REST Countries API

The Pitcairn Islands' economy is a small, subsistence-based economy that relies heavily on external support and a limited range of industries, with a strong focus on self-sufficiency and community-driven initiatives.

Quick Facts

GDP (nominal)($0.03 million estimate)
GDP Per Capita($857 estimate)
Income ClassificationLow
Main IndustriesPublic Administration, Fishing, Tourism
CurrencyNZD
Unemployment Rate0% (everyone is involved in some form of economic activity)
Ease of Doing BusinessNot Ranked (due to its small size and unique circumstances)

Economic Overview

The Pitcairn Islands' economy is classified as a low-income economy, with a very small population and limited resources. The economy is largely driven by external support from the United Kingdom, which provides financial assistance and goods to the island. The local economy is also supported by a range of community-driven initiatives, including subsistence farming, fishing, and handicraft production. The island's remote location and limited accessibility make it challenging to develop a more diversified economy.

The Pitcairn Islands' economy has a low level of development, with limited infrastructure and a lack of economic diversification. However, the island has made efforts to develop its tourism industry, which provides a small but significant source of income. The island's unique history and culture, as well as its natural beauty, make it an attractive destination for a small number of tourists each year.

The trajectory of the Pitcairn Islands' economy is likely to remain stable, with a continued reliance on external support and a focus on self-sufficiency. The island's small population and limited resources make it challenging to achieve significant economic growth, but the community is working to develop its economy in a sustainable and environmentally-friendly way.

Key Industries

IndustryContributionDetails
Public Administration50%The island's administration is the largest employer, with a range of roles including governance, healthcare, and education
Fishing20%The island has a small fishing industry, with a focus on subsistence fishing and some commercial fishing activities
Tourism15%The island's tourism industry is small but growing, with a focus on eco-tourism and cultural tourism
Handicrafts10%The island has a range of handicraft industries, including woodcarving, weaving, and pottery
Agriculture5%The island has a small agricultural sector, with a focus on subsistence farming and some commercial activities

Trade Profile

Top Exports:

  • Fish and seafood: The island's fishing industry provides a small but significant source of export income
  • Handicrafts: The island's handicraft industries provide a range of unique and high-quality products for export
  • Postage stamps: The island's postage stamps are highly collectible and provide a significant source of income
  • Coins and currency: The island's unique currency and coins are also highly collectible
  • Tourism services: The island's tourism industry provides a range of services, including accommodation, food, and activities

Top Imports:

  • Food and groceries: The island relies heavily on imports of food and groceries, due to its limited agricultural sector
  • Fuel and energy: The island imports all of its fuel and energy, due to its lack of natural resources
  • Building materials: The island imports building materials, due to its limited construction sector
  • Machinery and equipment: The island imports machinery and equipment, due to its limited industrial sector
  • Transportation services: The island relies on external transportation services, due to its remote location

Key Trading Partners:

  • United Kingdom: The UK provides significant financial and material support to the island
  • New Zealand: New Zealand provides some economic support and trade with the island
  • Australia: Australia also provides some economic support and trade with the island

Infrastructure

  • The island has a limited transportation network, with a single road and no airport
  • The island has a small energy sector, with a focus on renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power
  • The island has limited internet and mobile penetration, with a single internet service provider and limited mobile coverage
  • The island has a small port, which is used for importing goods and exporting products
  • The island has a range of community facilities, including a hospital, school, and community center

Economic Outlook

The Pitcairn Islands' economy is likely to remain stable, with a continued reliance on external support and a focus on self-sufficiency. The island is working to develop its economy in a sustainable and environmentally-friendly way, with a focus on eco-tourism and cultural tourism. The island is also working to improve its infrastructure, including its transportation network and energy sector.

The island's development priorities include improving its economic diversification, increasing its economic resilience, and enhancing its environmental sustainability. The island is also working to develop its human resources, including education and training programs, to support its economic development. Major projects or reforms include the development of a new tourism strategy, the improvement of the island's energy sector, and the enhancement of its community facilities. Overall, the Pitcairn Islands' economy is small but unique, with a strong focus on community-driven initiatives and a commitment to sustainability.

Related: Monthly Budget Guide