Cook Islands
Capital: Avarua
Location:
Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about one-half of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand (1.3 times the size of Washington, DC)
Background:
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.
Ethnic Groups:
Polynesian (full blood) 81.3%, Polynesian and European 7.7%, Polynesian and non-European 7.7%, European 2.4%, other 0.9%
Language:
English (official), Maori
Currency:
NZD
New Zealand dollar (NZD)
New Zealand dollars per US dollar - 2.2502 (January 2001), 2.1863 (2000), 1.8886 (1999), 1.8632 (1998), 1.5083 (1997), 1.4543 (1996)
Climate:
tropical; moderated by trade winds
Population:
20,611 (July 2001 est.)
Religion:
Christian (majority of populace are members of the Cook Islands Christian Church)
