South Pacific, Polynesia.

GMT - 10.

237 sq km (91.5 sq miles).

21,388 (2005).

90.2 per sq km.

Avarua (on Rarotonga). Population: 9000.

The Cook Islands are situated 3500km (2200 miles) northeast of New Zealand and 1000km (600 miles) southwest of Tahiti in the South Pacific, forming part of Polynesia. The islands fall into two groups: the scattered Northern Group are all coral atolls while the Southern Group is of volcanic origin. Rarotonga is the largest and highest island with a rugged volcanic interior, its highest peak being Te Manga, at 652m (2140ft). Coral reef surrounds the island and the population lives between reef and hills where rich soil supports both tropical and subtropical vegetation. Most of the island is covered by thick evergreen bush. Most of the larger islands include lagoons surrounded by small areas of fertile land, above which rise volcanic hills. The best beaches found on Aitutaki are also part of the eight-island Southern Group. The Northern Group comprises seven islands, the largest being Penrhyn, Manihiki and Pukapuka.

The Cook Islands are an internally self-governing state in free association with New Zealand. Executive power is formally held by the New Zealand High Commissioner (High Commissioner Rob Moore-Jones since 1998) but effectively devolved to the Cabinet. This, in turn, is responsible to the 25-member Parliament, directly elected every five years. Twenty-four of the members each represent districts of the Cook Islands and one represents Cook Islanders who live overseas. The House of Ariki, which is composed of all the paramount chiefs of the Cook Islands, serves as an advisory body. Advice is given on legislation concerning customs and traditions, though the House of Ariki has no powers of legislation itself. New Zealand is responsible for defence and foreign affairs. In 2005, the Cook Islands celebrated 40-years of self governance.

Self-governing state in ‘free association’ with New Zealand. (New Zealand retains responsibility for external affairs.) Gained self-governing status in 1965. Head of State: HM Queen Elizabeth II, represented locally by Frederick Goodwin. New Zealand is represented locally by High Commissioner Rob Moore-Jones since 1998. Head of Government: Prime Minister Jim Marurai was elected in December 2004. Recent history: Jim Marurai, of the Demo Tumu party was sworn in as Prime Minister in December 2004 after winning the backing of MPs. His predecessor Robert Woonton stood down after a recount of the September 2004 general election votes revealed a tie for the seat between Mr Woonton and his challenger.
Executive power is formally held by the New Zealand High Commissioner (High Commissioner Rob Moore-Jones since 1998) but effectively devolved to the Cabinet. This, in turn, is responsible to the 25-member Parliament, directly elected every five years. 24 of the members each represent districts of the Cook Islands and one represents Cook Islanders who live overseas. The House of Ariki, which is composed of all the paramount chiefs of the Cook Islands, serves as an advisory body. Advice is given on legislation concerning customs and traditions, though the House of Ariki has no powers of legislation itself. New Zealand is responsible for defence and foreign affairs. In 2005 the Cook Islands celebrated 40 years of self governance.

The official languages are English and Cook Islands Maori.

Mainly Cook Islands Christian Church (58 per cent); also Roman Catholic, Latter Day Saints, Seventh Day Adventists and Assembly of God.

Dress code is informal, though modest attire should be worn when visiting towns or villages. Women are expected to wear dresses for church services and social functions.

220 volts DC, 50Hz.