The history of the Cook Islands, the small group of islands southwest of the Society Islands in the Pacific Ocean, was accompanied by the settlement of New Zealand. True to Polynesian legends, it was the Maori, the indigenous people of this region, who set out from the main island of Rarotonga to their new home. The name of Cook Island is in memory of the seafarer James Cook, who, however, never got to see Rarotonga during his voyages through the realms of the South Seas. The archipelago is characterized by a warm and humid maritime climate and has a subtropical character. It is covered with coconut palms and surrounded by coral reefs. The highest volcanic mountain is Tuputea on Rarotonga with a height of 890 meters. The fruits of the fertile soil are mainly destined for the New Zealand market.
Country data Cook Islands
Cook Islands at a glance
Flag | |
---|---|
Population | 17.000 |
Language | English |
Area | 240 km2 |
Currency | New Zealand Dollar (NZD) |
Map Cook Islands
Country borders and location of the capital