Cook Islands

These easy-on-the-eyes islands, fifteen in all, were named after Captain Cook, the famed British explorer, who sailed through them in 1773.

Long a British protectorate, in 1900 the administrative control of the islands was transferred to New Zealand. Today, even though self-governing, the Cook Islands are in a somewhat dependent association with New Zealand regarding defense and other external issues.

The local subsistence economy is subsidized by limited exports of agricultural products, and by foreign aid, mostly from New Zealand. Tourism is on a steady growth rate, however, the island's isolated location limits that growth.

For additional info about the Cook Islands, and their most interesting history, go here.

Fast Facts

Name: Cook Islands, a free association territory of New Zealand, claimed in 1901
Capital City: Avarua (13,595 pop.)
Population: 10,134 (2014 est.)
World Populations (all countries)
Currency: New Zealand Dollar (NZD or NZ$)
(conversion rates)

5 New Zealand Dollars
Ethnicity: Cook Island Maori (Polynesian) 81.3%, part Cook Island Maori 6.7%, other 11.9%
Language: English (official) 86.4%, Cook Islands Maori (Rarotongan) (official) 76.2%, other 8.3%
Largest Cities: (by population) Avarua, Amuri, Omoka, Roto, Tauhunu
National Day: First Monday in August
Religion: Protestant 62.8% (Cook Islands Christian Church 49.1%, Seventh-Day Adventist 7.9%, Assemblies of God 3.7%, Apostolic Church 2.1%), Roman Catholic 17%, Mormon 4.4%, other 8%, none 5.6%, no response 2.2%

Flags

As a self-governing territorial democracy of New Zealand, the Cook Island's flag features the Union Jack (upper left), recalling New Zealand's long association with Great Britain. The 15 stars represent the 15 main islands of the group.

Larger Cook Islands flag

Geo. Statistics

Coastline: 74 miles (120 km)
Land Area:
(land) 91 sq miles (240 sq km)
(water) 0 sq mi (0 sq km)
(TOTAL) 91 sq miles (240 sq km)
To convert sq km (kilometers) to sq mi (miles)
use our converter
Land Area: (all countries)
Latitude & Longitude:
Avarua: (capital city) 21° 12' S, 159° 46' W
Horizontal Width: unknown
Vertical Length: unknown
Note: Lengths and widths are point-to-point, straight-line measurements from a Mercator map projection, and will vary some using other map projections
Geographic Center: unknown
Highest Point: Te Manga 2,139 ft. (652 m)
Lowest Point: Pacific Ocean (0m)

Geography

The Cook Islands are geographically divided into the North and South groups. The northern islands are mostly low-lying coral atolls, while the southern group generally consists of higher islands, volcanic in origin.

The lush green island of Rarotonga, ringed by white-sand beaches, and the stunning coral atoll of Aitutaki (with its blue lagoon), epitomize the beauty of the Cook Islands, and for that matter, all of Polynesia.

Maps

Travel Info.

ATTRACTIONS: (a few major)
The untouched charm of the Cook Islands draws in nearly 100,000 visitors annually.

For some the islands are a reminder of what the U.S. state ofHawaii was before its statehood, due to the lack of large tourist hotels and other development within the Cook Island archipelago, and is sometimes referred to as "Hawaii down under" .

Despite the more subdued accommodations there are no shortage of things to do and see, especially on the island of Rarotonga.

Known for its striking blue lagoons and sandy beaches, Rarotonga is the more popular destination of choice within the Cook Islands, and offers entertainment by way of cultural shows and dances, markets to shop around, fabulous local cuisine to dine on, and numerous safari tours.