Flag of Cook Islands
Hawksbill turtle eating seaweed
| Country | Cook Islands– named after Captain James Cook who landed there in 1773 – total area of 92.7 square miles (Link to map of Cook Islands location. Link to map of Rarotonga, largest island of Cook Islands.)
Their flag has 15 white 5-pointed stars, one for each island |
| Continent | Oceania – an archipelago – a group of 15 islands halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand, lying between American Samoa and Tahiti |
| Capital | Avarua – which is located on the largest island Rarotongo – is known for its white coral churches |
| Population | Settled in 6th century by Polynesians
81% are full-blooded Polynesian, 2% European, rest are a mixture Population is declining so there are more Cook Islanders in New Zealand than in the islands – all are citizens of New Zealand |
| Language | English – Maori also called Ranotongan |
| Religion | Almost all are Christian – 70% belong to Protestant CI Christian Church, and 30% are Roman Catholic, 7th Day Adventist and Mormon
Sermons are in Maori and singing is a big part of the service |
| Terrain | Northern islands are atolls – sunken volcanoes topped by coral growth
Southern islands are volcanic in origin Climate is moderate to tropical |
| Sports | Rugby union, bowling, netball, football
Wood carving is popular |
| Animals | There are several species of birds, but few native plants and animals.
The Pacific fruit bat is the only indigenous mammal |
| Facts of Interest | In 1888 the British declared the islands as a protectorate, but they gained the right to self- government in 1965. Their defense remains under the control of New Zealand
Sea cucumbers and fish are eaten both raw and cooked Coconut water is a popular beverage Society is divided into family clans. Rarotonga has 6 clans which were established centuries ago when the Maoris first settled on the island and divided the land. Women are in charge of family finances and oversee the land. Domestic violence against women is punished severely. |
| Concerns | Economic development is hampered by geographic isolation, lack of natural resources, and natural disasters.
Economic growth is in tourism, off-shore banking, pearls and the mining and fishing industries and fruit processing |
| Mission | Missionaries brought schools, Christianity and developed a written language as well as decimated the population by introducing diseases such as whooping cough, measles and smallpox |
| Sources | En.wikipedia.org.,www.odci.gov/cia/factbook, ttripadvisor.com |
