Tokelau's three atolls—Atafu, Nukunonu, and Fakaofo—constitute the territory's sole administrative division level and function as the primary units of local governance. Each atoll operates with considerable autonomy through its own Council of Elders (Taupulega), which manages local affairs including land allocation, public works, healthcare services, education, and law enforcement within their respective communities. This decentralized structure reflects Tokelau's small population and geographic isolation, with each atoll maintaining its own public service infrastructure, schools, and medical facilities. The atolls coordinate with the national General Fono on matters of territorial policy, but retain significant decision-making authority over their internal administration, making them both first-level administrative divisions and the practical centers of government activity in daily life.