Chief
of State: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February
1952), represented by Frederick GOODWIN (since 9 February
2001); New Zealand High Commissioner Kurt MEYER (since
July 2001), representative of New Zealand
Head of Government: Prime Minister
Jim MARURAI (since 14 December 2004)
Government Type: self-governing
parliamentary democracy |
Population:
21,388 (July 2006 est.)
Languages: English (official),
Maori
Religion: 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)
Life Expectancy: NA |
Currency:
New Zealand dollar (NZD)
GDP(per capita): $5,000 (2001
est.)
Overview: 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
provides the economic base with major exports made up
of copra and citrus fruit. 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.
Exports: copra, papayas, fresh
and canned citrus fruit, coffee; fish; pearls and pearl
shells; clothing
Import: foodstuffs, textiles,
fuels, timber, capital goods |
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Location:
Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean,
about one-half of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand
Area: total: 240 sq km
land: 240 sq km
water: 0 sq km |
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.
Independence Day: none (became
self-governing in free association with New Zealand
on 4 August 1965 and has the right at any time to move
to full independence by unilateral action)
Capital City: Avarua
Administrative divisions: none
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