About
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.
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Source: The World Factbook
Population: 21,388 (July 2005 est.)
Capital: Avarua
Languages: English (official), Maori
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)
Government: self-governing parliamentary
democracy
Climate: tropical; moderated by trade winds
Terrain: low coral atolls in north;
volcanic, hilly islands in south
Geography: the northern Cook Islands are seven low-lying, sparsely populated, coral atolls; the southern Cook Islands
consist of eight elevated, fertile, volcanic isles where most of the populace lives
Ethnic groups: Cook Island Maori (Polynesian) 87.7%, part Cook
Island Maori 5.8%, other 6.5% (2001 census)
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 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.
GDP per capita: purchasing power parity - $5,000 (2001 est.)
GDP real growth: 7.1% (2001 est.)
Unemployment rate: 13% (1996)
Internet country code: .ck
Dial code: +682
Cities
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Local currency is the New Zealand Dollar
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