The Cook Islands are a self-governing parliamentary democracy in free association with New Zealand. The 15 small islands in this South Pacific Ocean have a total land area of 240 km².
Tourism drives the Economy as the country's number one industry, far ahead of offshore banking, pearls, marine and fruit exports. A popular art form on the islands is tivaivai, often likened to quilting.
Defense is the responsibility of New Zealand, in consultation with the Cook Islands and at its request.
- High Cook Islands
- Aitutaki
- Atiu
- Mauke
- Rarotonga (capital)
- Mangaia
- Low islands of the Southern group
- Manuae
- Takutea
- Mitiaro
- Northern Cook Islands
- Penrhyn Island also known as Tongareva or Mangarongaro
- Rakahanga
- Manihiki
- Pukapuka
- Nassau
- Suwarrow also called Suvorov
- Palmerston Island
- Official Language English, Cook Islands Maori
- Capital Avarua
- Head of State Queen Elizabeth II
- Queen's Representative Sir Frederick Goodwin KBE
- Prime Minister Jim Marurai
- Area 240 km²
- Population (July 2005 Estimate) 21,388
- Independence
- – Date None; became self-governing in free association with New Zealand August 4, 1965.
- National anthem Te Atua Mou E (God is Truth)
- Currency New Zealand dollar (NZD). Also, have local $5, $2, 50¢, 20¢, 10¢, and 5¢ coins that can't be used elsewhere.
- Time zone UTC -10
- Calling Code 682
- Internet TLD .ck
Culture
- Holidays Date Name
- January 1 New Year's Day
- January 2 Day after New Year's Day
- The Friday before Easter Sunday Good Friday
- The Day after Easter Sunday Easter Monday
- April 25 ANZAC Day
- The First Monday in June Queen's Birthday
- July Rarotonga Gospel Day
- August 4 Constitution Day
- October 26 Gospel Day
- December 25 Christmas
- December 26 Boxing Day
