Referendum in Tokelau for independence

Three coral atholls in the Pacific Ocean are holding a referendum over whether to regain independence for the first time since 1889.

Atafu, Nukunonu and Fakaofo have a combined population of only 1,500 and an electorate of 660. If granted independence they would form the Tokelau Islands, the third smallest independent state in the world, with the Vatican and Monaco the only smaller.

Voting ends on February 15, and is being monitored by four U.N. observers.