New Zealand

New Zealand consists of two large islands – North and South Island in south-west Pacific Ocean. Nearest are Australia on west, Fiji and Tonga on north. Its area is about 269 000 square kilometres. Each of two main islands is mainly hilly and mountainous, the highest peak is Mount Cook – it is 3764 m. The coast consists of fertile plains, especially the large Canterbury Plains on South Island. South Island has glaciers and 15 peaks over 3000 metres. A volcanic plateau is in the centre of North Island.

The climate is quite pleasant. There is a lot of sun and it often rains there. Summers are not too hot and the winters are mild.

Population is about 3.8 million people. 83% of the whole population live in urban areas. 85% of people are of European origin and about 9% are Polynesian. Officiall language is English, but some people still speak Maori.

The Maoris, a Polynesian group from the eastern Pacific, reached New Zealand before and during the 14th century. Captain James Cook explored the coasts in about 18th century. British sovereignty was proclaimed in 1840 and the colony became a dominion in 1907. Now it is an independent member of the Commonwealth.

New Zealand is member of the Commonwealth. It has a parliamentary system where the head of state is Queen Elizabeth II represented by the Governor–General. The head of government is the Prime Minister. Elections take place every three years.

The country is divided into counties. The capital is Wellington, other big cities are Manukau, Christchurch and Auckland.

The main industries are food processing – meat, butter or cheese, textiles, machinery and forest industry. Only 2% of land is arable and the main crop is grain, fruit and vegetable. Very important in this country is livestock and sheep breeding. New Zealand is rich in oil, gas, sulphur, iron ore and coal. The main trading partners of New Zealand are the USA, Australia, Japan and Great Britain.