Cook Islands
Geography - People - Economy - Government - Communications - Transportation - Military - Transnational IssuesCountry information - Cook Islands
Country name - conventional long form : none
Country name - conventional short form : Cook Islands
Country name - local long form :
Country name - local short form :
Country name - former : Harvey Islands
Country code : CW
Government type : self-governing parliamentary democracy
Capital - name : Avarua
Capital - time difference : UTC-10 (5 hours behind Washington, DC during Standard Time)
National holiday : Constitution Day, first Monday in August (1965)
Population : 12,271 (July 2008 est.)
Nationality - noun : Cook Islander(s)
Nationality - adjective : Cook Islander
Languages : English (official), Maori
Currency (code) : NZ dollar (NZD)
Currency code : NZD
Major infectious diseases - degree of risk :
Major infectious diseases - note :
Cook Islands is located Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about half way between Hawaii and New Zealand. The climate is tropical oceanic; moderated by trade winds; a dry season from April to November and a more humid season from December to March. The terrain is low coral atolls in north; volcanic, hilly islands in south.
Background
This entry usually highlights major historic events and current issues and may include a statement about one or two key future trends.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.
