| Introduction | 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. |
| Population | Population: 11,488 Population growth rate: -3.256% Life expectancy: 74.47 years |
| Geography | The Cook Islands comprise 13 inhabited and two uninhabited islands located in the southern Pacific Ocean, between American Samoa to the west and French Polynesia to the east. The islands are spread over about two million square km (more than 750,000 square miles) of ocean, and form two groups – the northern Cook Islands which are all atolls and include Pukapuka, Rakahanga and Manihiki, and the southern Cook Islands which include Aitutaki, Mangaia and Rarotonga, all volcanic islands. |
| Religion | Cook Islands Christian Church 55.9%, Roman Catholic 16.8%, Seventh-Day Adventists 7.9%, Church of Latter Day Saints 3.8%, other Protestant 5.8%, other 4.2%, unspecified 2.6%, none 3% (2001 census) |
| Government | Government type: self-governing parliamentary democracy Chief of State: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952) represented by Sir Frederick GOODWIN (since 9 February 2001); New Zealand High Commissioner Linda TE PUNI (since 3 June 2010) Head of Government: Prime Minister Henry PUNA (since 30 November 2010) Cabinet: Cabinet chosen by the prime minister; collectively responsible to Parliament 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 |
| Economics | GDP (purchasing power parity) $183.2 million The economy is based mainly on tourism, although subsistence agriculture and fishing continue to be important activities. Remittances from migrant workers, aid from New Zealand and Australia, sales of postage stamps and export of agricultural produce also have significant roles in the economy. The pearl industry based on the islands of Manihiki and Penrhyn is growing in importance. A significant offshore banking business has developed; regulations have been revised and a Financial Supervisory Commission established, allowing for further improvements to be implemented. The sale of fishing licences to foreign fleets is a key revenue earner. |
| Health | Per capita total expenditure on health (2003) was US$425; of which per capita government spending was US$373, at the international dollar rate, (WHO 2006). The Cook Island's Millenium Development Goals 2009 Report is available at: http://www.stats.gov.ck/Statistics/MDG/MDG_RPRT_June_2010.pdf (PDF 57 pages). |
| Legislation | http://www.paclii.org/databases.html#CK |
| Related Websites | World Health Organization - Cook Islands The World Factbook - Cook Islands UNICEF - Cook Islands |