COOK ISLANDS (COOK ISLANDS) PAX GAEA COUNTRY REPORT

Cook Islands is located in the southeast of the Oceania Continent, with a population of 11,870, making it the 225th largest
national population. Its capital and largest city is Avarua with a total population of 5,445. The country encompasses 235.7
square kilometers comprised of 15 islands clustered into two groups making it the 209th largest country in total area. It
shares boundaries with the South Pacific Ocean.

Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom is recognized as the Chief of State and achieves that status through heredity and
holds that position for life or abdication. She is represented by Sir Frederick Goodwin who achieves that status through
appointment by the monarch and New Zealand High Commissioner Linda Te Puni who achieves that status through
appointment by the Government of New Zealand. Prime Minister Jim Marurai is recognized as the Head of Government
and, along with Deputy Prime Minister Robert Wigmore achieves that status following legislative elections when the leader
of the majority party or majority coalition usually becomes prime minister and holds that position five years. Its form of
government is a self governing parliamentary democracy in free association with New Zealand and they celebrate the
creation of their constitution on 4th of August 1965.

The languages commonly or officially spoken are English and Maori. It counts among its major religions Cook Islands
Christian Church, Roman Catholic, Seventh-Day Adventist, Church of Latter Day Saints, other Protestant, other,
unspecified and none. As sources of mass communication it has 1 AM, 1 FM and 1 Television stations.

Major geographical features are Te Manga, its highest point at 652 meters and the Pacific Ocean, its lowest point at 0
meters. Its principal waterway is the Pacific Ocean, which measures 120 kilometers of coastline.

Major industries providing for the bulk of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) are fruit processing, tourism, fishing,
clothing and handicrafts. Its official currency is New Zealand Dollar.

Here’s something you may not know about Cook Islands. 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.

Aitutaki surrounded by
the Pacific Ocean,
Cook Islands' lowest
point and the location
for Survivor: Cook
Islands

Beach at Vaikoa on
Nassau Island

Avarua- Cook Islands'
capital and largest city
on Rarotonga Island

Black Rock,
Rarotonga Island

Cook Islands Christian
Church

Dancers in traditional
Cook Islands dress

Jagged peaks and
deep valleys of
Rarotonga Island

Katsudon-a cultural
dish made of pork and
rice

Divers on the wreck of
Maritime Reefer

The Cook Islands are breathtaking and the more pictures I found the more I wanted to visit. The first thing I
hope to do when we arrive is swim in the lagoon because it looks irresistible. I really hope to taste some
Katsudon while we're there. I hope you plan on having a second honeymoon with your kids this summer.

5 Suitcases = Let's Go Now!
4 Suitcases = Put This One On the List
3 Suitcases = May Be Worth Checking Out
2 Suitcases = So Many Other Places To See
1 Suitcase = Well, I'll Go If I Have To