Official Name: Cook Islands
Capital: Avarua
The Cook Islands is a nation in the South Pacific Ocean, located northeast of New Zealand, between French Polynesia and American Samoa. It is an archipelago consisting of 15 islands spread over a vast expanse of ocean. The islands offer a diverse landscape with pristine beaches, coral reefs, and rugged mountains.
Area: Approximately 236.7 square kilometers (approximately 91.4 square miles).
Population: Approximately 17,000 people (as of 2023 estimate).
Language: English and Cook Islands Maori are the official languages.
The Cook Islands have a tropical oceanic climate, with a wet season from November to April and a dry season from May to October.
The economy of the Cook Islands is small and largely dependent on tourism, offshore banking, pearls, and marine and fruit exports.
The Cook Islands is a self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand. The British monarch is the head of state, represented by a New Zealand-appointed Governor-General. The Chief Minister is the head of government.
Education in the Cook Islands is compulsory for children between the ages of 5 and 15, and is modeled on the New Zealand education system.
Cook Islands culture is Polynesian, with significant influences from both Maori and European cultures. The islands are known for their vibrant music, dance, and art, as well as their rich oral history tradition.
Among the notable people from the Cook Islands is Sir Tom Davis, who was a doctor, pilot, politician, and writer, and served as the Prime Minister of the Cook Islands.
This is a general overview of the Cook Islands, and there’s much more to discover about this unique and vibrant nation, from its rich Polynesian culture to its stunning natural beauty.
