Cook Islands

The Cook Islands are a self-governing parliamentary democracy in free association with New Zealand. The 15 small islands in this South Pacific Ocean archipelago have a total land area of only 240 square kilometres. The capital is Avarua, on the north side of Rarotonga, the biggest island at 31 km by coastal road. Tourism drives the economy as the country's number one industry, far ahead of offshore banking, pearls and fruit exports. A popular art form on the islands is tivaevae, often likened to quilting.

History

• Main Article see History of the Cook Islands

Geography

• Main Article see Geography of the Cook Islands

Southern Cook Islands (Lower Cook Group)

• 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

Demographics

• Main Article see Demographics of the Cook Islands

Politics

• Main Article see Politics of the Cook Islands

Economy

• Main Article see Economy of the Cook Islands

Culture

See also: music of the Cook Islands

Communications

• Main Article see Communications in the Cook Islands

Transport

• Main Article see Transport in the Cook Islands

Military

• Military: defense is the responsibility of New Zealand, in consultation with the Cook Islands and at its request.

External links

• Cook Islands Government
• Cook Islands, the best kept secret in the Pacific Ocean
• Cook Islands Government (summary)
• Finding Cook Islands
• Map of the Cook Islands
• KiaOrana.com — Cook Islands information with images and maps
• Jane's Cook Islands Home Page
• World Factbook entry on The Cook Islands