Page last updated on January 28, 2014

Introduction:
Background:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
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.
Geography:
Location:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about half way between Hawaii and New Zealand
Geographic coordinates:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
21 14 S, 159 46 W
Map references:
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Oceania
Area:
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total: 236 sq km
country comparison to the world: 215
land: 236 sq km
water: 0 sq km
Area - comparative:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
1.3 times the size of Washington, DC
Land boundaries:
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0 km
Coastline:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
120 km
Maritime claims:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin
Climate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
tropical oceanic; moderated by trade winds; a dry season from April to November and a more humid season from December to March
Terrain:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
low coral atolls in north; volcanic, hilly islands in south
Elevation extremes:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
highest point: Te Manga 652 m
Natural resources:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
NEGL
Land use:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
arable land: 8.33%
permanent crops: 4.17%
other: 87.5% (2011)
Irrigated land:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
NA
Natural hazards:
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typhoons (November to March)
Environment - current issues:
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NA
Environment - international agreements:
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party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection
Geography - note:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
the northern Cook Islands are seven low-lying, sparsely populated, coral atolls; the southern Cook Islands, where most of the population lives, consist of eight elevated, fertile, volcanic isles, including the largest, Rarotonga, at 67 sq km
People and Society:
Nationality:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
noun: Cook Islander(s)
adjective: Cook Islander
Ethnic groups:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Cook Island Maori (Polynesian) 81.3%, part Cook Island Maori 6.7%, other 11.9% (2011 est.)
Languages:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
English (official) 86.4%, Cook Islands Maori (Rarotongan) (official) 76.2%, other 8.3% (2011 est.)
Religions:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
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% (2011 est.)
Population:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
10,447
country comparison to the world: 226
note: The Cook Islands' Ministry of Finance & Economic Management estimates the resident population to have been 13,700 in September 2013 (July 2013 est.)
Age structure:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0-14 years: 23.4% (male 1,297/female 1,150)
15-24 years: 18.1% (male 1,015/female 877)
25-54 years: 38% (male 1,995/female 1,971)
55-64 years: 9.9% (male 549/female 483)
65 years and over: 10.6% (male 544/female 566) (2013 est.)
population pyramid: "> Median age:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 33.7 years
male: 33 years
female: 34.3 years (2013 est.)
Population growth rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
-3.07% (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 233
Birth rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
14.93 births/1,000 population (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 134
Death rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
7.66 deaths/1,000 population (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 112
Urbanization:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
urban population: 75% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 1.4% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)
Sex ratio:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.13 male(s)/female
15-24 years: 1.15 male(s)/female
25-54 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
55-64 years: 1.14 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.96 male(s)/female
total population: 1.07 male(s)/female (2013 est.)
Infant mortality rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 14.81 deaths/1,000 live births
country comparison to the world: 113
male: 18.01 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 11.45 deaths/1,000 live births (2013 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total population: 75.15 years
country comparison to the world: 96
male: 72.35 years
female: 78.09 years (2013 est.)
Total fertility rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
2.31 children born/woman (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 96
Contraceptive prevalence rate:
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43.2% (1999)
Health expenditures:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
5.5% of GDP (2011)
country comparison to the world: 121
Physicians density:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
2.89 physicians/1,000 population (2009)
Drinking water source:
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improved:
unimproved:
Sanitation facility access:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
improved:
unimproved:
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
NA
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
NA
HIV/AIDS - deaths:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
NA
Obesity - adult prevalence rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
63.7% (2008)
country comparison to the world: 3
Education expenditures:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
3.2% of GDP (2011)
country comparison to the world: 138
Literacy:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 95%
male: NA
female: NA
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 12 years
male: 12 years
female: 13 years (2011)
Government:
Country name:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Cook Islands
former: Harvey Islands
Dependency status:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
self-governing in free association with New Zealand; Cook Islands is fully responsible for internal affairs; New Zealand retains responsibility for external affairs and defense in consultation with the Cook Islands
Government type:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
self-governing parliamentary democracy
Capital:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
name: Avarua
geographic coordinates: 21 12 S, 159 46 W
time difference: UTC-10 (5 hours behind Washington, DC during Standard Time)
Administrative divisions:
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none
Independence:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
none (became self-governing in free association with New Zealand on 4 August 1965 and has the right at any time to move to full independence by unilateral action)
National holiday:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Constitution Day, first Monday in August (1965)
Constitution:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
effective 4 August 1965 (Cook islands Constitution Act 1964); amended many times, last in 2004 (2004)
Legal system:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
common law similar to New Zealand common law
International law organization participation:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration (New Zealand normally retains responsibility for external affairs); accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Suffrage:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952) represented by Tom J. MARSTERS (since 9 August 2013); New Zealand High Commissioner Joanna KEMPKERS (since 19 July 2013)
head of government: Prime Minister Henry PUNA (since 30 November 2010)
cabinet: Cabinet chosen by the prime minister; collectively responsible to Parliament
(For more information visit the World Leaders website )
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; the UK representative appointed by the monarch; the New Zealand high commissioner appointed by the New Zealand Government; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition usually becomes prime minister
Legislative branch:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
bicameral Parliament consists of a House of Ariki, or upper house, made up of traditional leaders and a Legislative Assembly, or lower house, (24 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)
note: the House of Ariki advises on traditional matters and maintains considerable influence but has no legislative powers
elections: last held on 17 November 2010 (next to be held by 2014)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - CIP 16, Demo 8
Judicial branch:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
highest court(s): Court of Appeal (consists of the chief justice and 3 judges of the High Court); High Court (consists of the chief justice and at least 4 judges and organized into civil, criminal, and land divisions)
judge selection and term of office: High Court chief justice appointed by the Queen's Representative on the advice of the Executive Council tendered by the prime minister; other judges appointed by the Queen's Representative, on the advice of the Executive Council tendered by the chief justice, High Court chief justice, and the minister of justice; chief justice and judges appointed for 3-year renewable terms
subordinate courts: justices of the peace
Political parties and leaders:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Cook Islands Party or CIP [Henry PUNA]
Political pressure groups and leaders:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Reform Conference (lobby for political system changes)
other: various groups lobbying for political change
International organization participation:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
ACP, ADB, AOSIS, FAO, ICAO, ICRM, IFAD, IFRCS, IMO, IMSO, IOC, ITUC (NGOs), OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UNESCO, UPU, WHO, WMO
Diplomatic representation in the US:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
none (self-governing in free association with New Zealand)
Diplomatic representation from the US:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
none (self-governing in free association with New Zealand)
Flag description:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
blue, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and a large circle of 15 white five-pointed stars (one for every island) centered in the outer half of the flag
National anthem:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
name: "Te Atua Mou E" (To God Almighty)
lyrics/music: Tepaeru Te RITO/Thomas DAVIS
note: adopted 1982; as prime minister, Sir Thomas DAVIS composed the anthem; his wife, a tribal chief, wrote the lyrics
Economy:
Economy - overview:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Like many other South Pacific island nations, the Cook Islands' economic development is hindered by the isolation of the country from foreign markets, the limited size of domestic markets, lack of natural resources, periodic devastation from natural disasters, and inadequate infrastructure. Agriculture, employing more than one-quarter of the working population, provides the economic base with major exports of copra and citrus fruit. Black pearls are the Cook Islands' leading export. Manufacturing activities are limited to fruit processing, clothing, and handicrafts. Trade deficits are offset by remittances from emigrants and by foreign aid overwhelmingly from New Zealand. In the 1980s and 1990s, the country lived beyond its means, maintaining a bloated public service and accumulating a large foreign debt. Subsequent reforms, including the sale of state assets, the strengthening of economic management, the encouragement of tourism, and a debt restructuring agreement, have rekindled investment and growth.
GDP (purchasing power parity):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$183.2 million (2005 est.)
country comparison to the world: 220
GDP (official exchange rate):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$183.2 million (2005 est.)
GDP - real growth rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0.1% (2005 est.)
country comparison to the world: 178
GDP - per capita (PPP):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$9,100 (2005 est.)
country comparison to the world: 121
GDP - composition, by sector of origin:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
agriculture: 5.1%
industry: 12.7%
services: 82.1% (2010 est.)
Agriculture - products:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
copra, citrus, pineapples, tomatoes, beans, pawpaws, bananas, yams, taro, coffee; pigs, poultry
Industries:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
fruit processing, tourism, fishing, clothing, handicrafts
Industrial production growth rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
1% (2002)
country comparison to the world: 121
Labor force:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
6,820 (2001)
country comparison to the world: 219
Labor force - by occupation:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
agriculture: 29%
industry: 15%
services: 56% (1995)
Unemployment rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
13.1% (2005)
country comparison to the world: 134
Population below poverty line:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
NA%
Household income or consumption by percentage share:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%
Budget:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
revenues: $70.95 million
expenditures: $69.05 million (FY05/06)
Taxes and other revenues:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
38.7% of GDP (FY05/06)
country comparison to the world: 53
Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
1% of GDP (FY05/06)
country comparison to the world: 34
Fiscal year:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
1 April - 31 March
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
2.2% (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 50
Stock of narrow money:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$38.99 million (31 December 2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 186
Stock of broad money:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$148.2 million (31 December 2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 188
Current account balance:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$26.67 million (2005)
country comparison to the world: 56
Exports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$5.222 million (2005 est.)
country comparison to the world: 216
Exports - commodities:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
copra, papayas, fresh and canned citrus fruit, coffee; fish; pearls and pearl shells; clothing
Imports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$83.49 million (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 215
Imports - commodities:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
foodstuffs, textiles, fuels, timber, capital goods
Debt - external:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$141 million (1996 est.)
country comparison to the world: 189
Exchange rates:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
NZ dollars (NZD) per US dollar -
Energy:
Electricity - production:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
31.13 million kWh (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 210
Electricity - consumption:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
28.95 million kWh (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 210
Electricity - exports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 kWh (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 186
Electricity - imports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 kWh (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 177
Electricity - installed generating capacity:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
8,090 kW (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 205
Electricity - from fossil fuels:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
98.9% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 53
Electricity - from nuclear fuels:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 72
Electricity - from hydroelectric plants:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 164
Electricity - from other renewable sources:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
1.1% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 80
Crude oil - production:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 bbl/day (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 164
Crude oil - exports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 103
Crude oil - imports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 176
Crude oil - proved reserves:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 bbl (1 January 2013 es)
country comparison to the world: 120
Refined petroleum products - production:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 167
Refined petroleum products - consumption:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
974.1 bbl/day (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 204
Refined petroleum products - exports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 167
Refined petroleum products - imports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
484.7 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 205
Natural gas - production:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 cu m (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 120
Natural gas - consumption:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 cu m (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 135
Natural gas - exports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 cu m (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 87
Natural gas - imports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 cu m (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 182
Natural gas - proved reserves:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 cu m (1 January 2013 es)
country comparison to the world: 128
Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
75,400 Mt (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 207
Communications:
Telephones - main lines in use:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
7,200 (2009)
country comparison to the world: 206
Telephones - mobile cellular:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
7,800 (2009)
country comparison to the world: 212
Telephone system:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
general assessment: Telecom Cook Islands offers international direct dialing, Internet, email, fax, and Telex
domestic: individual islands are connected by a combination of satellite earth stations, microwave systems, and VHF and HF radiotelephone; within the islands, service is provided by small exchanges connected to subscribers by open-wire, cable, and fiber-optic cable
international: country code - 682; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)
Broadcast media:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
1 privately owned TV station broadcasts from Rarotonga providing a mix of local news and overseas-sourced programs; a satellite program package is available; 6 radio stations broadcast with 1 reportedly reaching all of the islands (2009)
Internet country code:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
.ck
Internet hosts:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
3,562 (2012)
country comparison to the world: 150
Internet users:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
6,000 (2009)
country comparison to the world: 205
Transportation:
Airports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
11 (2013)
country comparison to the world: 153
Airports - with paved runways:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 1
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2013)
Airports - with unpaved runways:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 10
1,524 to 2,437 m: 2
914 to 1,523 m: 7
under 914 m:
Roadways:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 320 km
country comparison to the world: 202
paved: 33 km
unpaved: 287 km (2003)
Merchant marine:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 35
country comparison to the world: 81
by type: bulk carrier 2, cargo 25, passenger 1, refrigerated cargo 6, roll on/roll off 1
foreign-owned: 23 (Estonia 1, Germany 1, Lithuania 1, Norway 8, NZ 2, Russia 1, Sweden 3, Turkey 4, UK 2) (2010)
Ports and terminals:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
major seaport(s): Avatiu
Military:
Military branches:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
no regular military forces; National Police Department (2009)
Manpower fit for military service:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
males age 16-49: 2,198
females age 16-49: 2,156 (2010 est.)
Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
male: 127
female: 107 (2010 est.)
Military - note:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
defense is the responsibility of New Zealand in consultation with the Cook Islands and at its request