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World > Oceania > Cook Islands
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Cook Islands |
Introduction:
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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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| Official name: |
Cook Islands |
| Capital: |
name: Avarua
geographic coordinates: 21 12 S, 159 46 W
time difference: UTC-10 (5 hours behind Washington, DC during Standard Time) |
| Government type: |
self-governing parliamentary democracy |
| Population: |
21,750 (July 2007 est.) |
| Languages: |
English (official), Maori |
| Official Currency: |
New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
Current New Zealand Dollar Exchange Rates
Historical New Zealand Dollar Exchange Rates
Chart New Zealand Dollar Exchange Rates |
| Currency code: |
NZD |
| Area: |
total: 236.7 sq km
land: 236.7 sq km
water: 0 sq km |
| Climate: |
tropical oceanic; moderated by trade winds; a dry season from April to November and a more humid season from December to March |
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Map of Cook Islands
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