Cook Islands

The Cook Islands are a self-governing parliamentary democracy in free association with New Zealand. The archipelago is located in the South Pacific Ocean. The capital is Avarua. A popular art form on the islands is tivaevae, often likened to quilting.

(In Detail) (Full size)
National motto: none
Languages	English (official), Rarotongan
Capital	Avarua
Queen	Elizabeth II
Prime Minister	Robert Woonton
Area  - Total  - % water	Ranked 225th 240 km² 0%
Population  - Total (2003)  - Density	Ranked 219th 21,008 87/km²
Independence  - Date	None. Became self-governing in free association with New Zealand August 4 1965
Currency	New Zealand dollar (NZD)
Time zone	UTC-10
National anthem	God Defend New Zealand
Internet TLD	.ck
Calling Code	682

History

• Main Article see History of the Cook Islands

Geography

• Main Article see Geography of the Cook Islands

Southern Cook Islands

• Aitutaki
• Atiu
• Mangaia
• Manuae
• Mauke
• Mitiaro
• Palmerston Island
• Rarotonga (capital)
• Takutea

Northern Cook Islands

• Manihiki
• Nassau
• Penrhyn Island also known as Tongareva or Mangarongaro
• Pukapuka
• Rakahanga
• Suwarrow

Demographics

• Main Article see Demographics of the Cook Islands

Politics

• Main Article see Politics of the Cook Islands

Economy

• Main Article see Economy of the Cook Islands

Culture

Holidays

Date	Name
January 1	New Year's Day
The Friday before Easter Sunday	Good Friday
The Day after Easter Sunday	Easter Monday
April 25	ANZAC Day
The First Monday in June	Queen's Birthday
August 4	Constitution Day
October 16	Gospel Day
December 25	Christmas
December 26	Boxing Day

Communications

• Main Article see Communications in the Cook Islands

Transportation

• Main Article see Transportation in the Cook Islands

Military

• Military: defense is the responsibility of New Zealand, in consultation with the Cook Islands and at its request