Cook Islands
Official Country Name
Cook Islands
Cook Islands Overview
Named after Captain COOK, who sighted them in 1770, the islands became a British protectorate in 1888. By 1900, administrative control was transferred to New Zealand; in 1965 residents chose self-government in free association with New Zealand. The emigration of skilled workers to New Zealand and government deficits are continuing problems.
Cook Islands Economy
Like many other South Pacific island nations, the Cook Islands' economic development is hindered by the isolation of the country from foreign markets, the limited size of domestic markets, lack of natural resources, periodic devastation from natural disasters, and inadequate infrastructure. Agriculture, employing about 70% of the working population, provides the economic base with major exports made up of copra and citrus fruit. Black pearls are the Cook Island's leading export. Manufacturing activities are limited to fruit processing, clothing, and handicrafts. Trade deficits are offset by remittances from emigrants and by foreign aid, overwhelmingly from New Zealand. In the 1980s and 1990s, the country lived beyond its means, maintaining a bloated public service and accumulating a large foreign debt. Subsequent reforms, including the sale of state assets, the strengthening of economic management, the encouragement of tourism, and a debt restructuring agreement, have rekindled investment and growth.
Cook Islands Location
Cook Islands is located in Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about one-half of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand
Region
Cook Islands is located in Oceania
Cook Islands Population
Cook Islands has population of 21,388 (July 2006 est.)
Cook Islands Climate
Cook Islands has tropical oceanic; moderated by trade winds; a dry season from April to November and a more humid season from December to March
Cook Islands Terrain
low coral atolls in north; volcanic, hilly islands in south
Cook Islands Natural Resources
NEGL
Ethnic Groups in Cook Islands
Cook Islands has the following ethnic groups - Cook Island Maori (Polynesian) 87.7%, part Cook Island Maori 5.8%, other 6.5% (2001 census)
Cook Islands Religions
Cook Islands Christian Church 55.9%, Roman Catholic 16.8%, Seventh-Day Adventists 7.9%, Church of Latter Day Saints 3.8%, other Protestant 5.8%, other 4.2%, unspecified 2.6%, none 3% (2001 census)
Cook Islands Languages
English (official), Maori
Cook Islands Capital
Cook Islands capital is Avarua
Cook Islands Currency
Cook Islands currency is New Zealand dollar
Map of Cook Islands
