The Cook Islands are a self-governing parliamentary democracy in free association with New Zealand. The fifteen small islands in this South Pacific Ocean country have a total land area of 240 square kilometers (92.7 sq mi), but the Cook Islands Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) covers 1.8 million square kilometers (0.7 million sq mi) of ocean.
The main population centres are on the island of Rarotonga (14,153 as of 2006), where there is an international airport. There is also a much larger population of Cook Islanders in New Zealand, particularly the North Island. In the 2006 census, 58,008 self-identified as being of ethnic Cook Island Māori descent. With over 90,000 visitors traveling to the islands in 2006, tourism is the country’s number one industry, and the leading element of the economy, far ahead of offshore banking, pearls, marine and fruit exports.
Defence is the responsibility of New Zealand, in consultation with the Cook Islands and at its request. In recent times, the Cook Islands have adopted an increasingly independent foreign policy.
Other Information
- History of Cook Islands
- Geography of Cook Islands
- Politics of Cook Islands
- Administrative subdivisions of Cook Islands
- Biology of Cook Islands
- Language in Cook Islands
- Holidays in Cook Islands
- Arts in Cook Islands
- Sport in Cook Islands
Facts
- Capital : Avarua
- Coordinates : 21°12′S 159°46′W / 21.2°S 159.767°W / -21.2; -159.767
- Official languages : English, Cook Islands Māori
- Ethnic groups : 87.7% Maori, 5.8% part Maori, 6.5% other
- Demonym : Cook Islander
- Anthem : Te Atua Mou E – God is Truth
- Associated state
- Self-government in free association with New Zealand : 4 August 1965 - Area
- Total : 240 km2 (206th), 91 sq mi - Population
- 2006 census : 19,569
- Density : 76/km2 (124th), 197/sq mi - GDP (PPP) : 2005 estimate
- Total : $183.2 million (not ranked)
- Per capita : $9,100 (not ranked) - Currency : New Zealand dollar (Cook Islands dollar also used) (NZD)
- Time zone : (UTC-10)
- Drives on the : left
- Internet TLD : .ck
- Calling code : 682
Politics
- Government : Constitutional monarchy
- Head of State : Queen Elizabeth II
- Queen’s Representative : Sir Frederick Goodwin
- Prime Minister : Jim Marurai
Links
- Cook Islands Government
- Cook Islands Government (summary)
- Chief of State and Cabinet Members
- Cook Islands Tourism Corporation
- Cook Islands travel guide from Wikitravel
- Cook Islands entry at The World Factbook
- Cook Islands from UCB Libraries GovPubs
- Cook Islands at the Open Directory Project
- Comprehensive Cook Islands site with news section
- Detailed and non-commercial website
- Cook Islands National Environment Service
- Cook Islands Biodiversity Database
- Photographs of CI banknotes including unique 3 dollar bill
- Topographic maps of all the Cook Islands
Incoming search terms:
- Published News Upcoming News Submit a New Story Groups travel guide book
- Published News Upcoming News Submit a New Story Groups motorcycle trailer
- Published News Upcoming News Submit a New Story Groups australias primary industry
- Published News Upcoming News Submit a New Story Groups consumer credit counselor
- Published News Upcoming News Submit a New Story Groups business class airfare discounts cheap business class airfare
- Published News Upcoming News Submit a New Story Groups american general life insurance credit rating
- Published News Upcoming News Submit a New Story Groups estimates
- Published News Upcoming News Submit a New Story Groups starting a group
- Published News Upcoming News Submit a New Story Groups consumer credit counseling service in
- Published News Upcoming News Submit a New Story Groups consumer counseling service
