Cook Islands

Cook islands, possession New Zealand in Polynesia. Includes 15 islands amounting northern and southern bunches of islands Hervi, a total area 241  sq. km. The largest islands are in southern bunch - Mangajja and Rarotonga. Largest of Cook islands - a vulcanic parentage (altitude to 652 , small - a coral parentage. On Cook islands live 20  thousand persons (1996), in the core of Polynesians and Maori. Nearby 24  thousand natives from Cook islands there live in Australia . The Official language - English. 75  population % - protenstants-kongregatsionisty, on islands are also a roman catholic community. The administrative centre of islands - Avarua with the population in 1,5 thousand persons is had on island Rarotonga.

Cook islands have the status of self-coping terrain in free association with New Zealand. Officially the head of possession the queen is considered the Great Britain Elizabeth Second, on Cook islands its special representative acts. The government of New Zealand has own representative on Cook islands. Inhabitants of islands have the New Zealand citizenship. The complete autonomy in questions of intrinsic life is granted islands. Cook islands have own constitution. Time in five years the population chooses 25 members of Legislative assembly which forms, the cabinet led by the prime minister. At legislative assembly in the capacity of an advisory body the chamber of leaders acts, places in which are descended. Solutions of authorities of Cook islands concerning foreign policy and defence can be accepted only in coordination with the government of New Zealand.

Islands have been surveyed by English seafarer James Cook in 1773. The Great Britain declared the protectorate over islands in 1888. After reception in 1901 New Zealand of the rights of the English dominion of Cook islands have passed under control of new Zealanders. On August, 4th, 1965 the constitution of Cook islands has been accepted and they have gained the status of self-coping terrain in free association with New Zealand.

Service of tourists is a basis of economy and a chief business for inhabitants of Cook islands. Fishery and agriculture are oriented on a home consumption, nevertheless fresh tropical fruit, a copra, nacre are exported to New Zealand, is artificial cultivated pearl. On islands two garment factories, brewery, the factories on rehash of fruit act. Among collectors postage stamps and coins of Cook islands are appreciated. Annually the budget of islands is reduced at deficit which is covered with subsidies of New Zealand. In the capacity of monetary unit on Cook islands the new zealand dollar is used.