2013 Edition

Background

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.

Area

236 sq km 236 sq km 0 sq km

total

236 sq km

water

0 sq km

Area - comparative

1.3 times the size of Washington, DC

Climate

tropical oceanic; moderated by trade winds; a dry season from April to November and a more humid season from December to March

Coastline

120 km

Elevation extremes

Pacific Ocean 0 m Te Manga 652 m

highest point

Te Manga 652 m

lowest point

Pacific Ocean 0 m

Environment - current issues

NA

Environment - international agreements

Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection

party to

Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection

Geographic coordinates

21 14 S, 159 46 W

Geography - note

the northern Cook Islands are seven low-lying, sparsely populated, coral atolls; the southern Cook Islands, where most of the population lives, consist of eight elevated, fertile, volcanic isles, including the largest, Rarotonga, at 67 sq km

Irrigated land

NA

Land boundaries

0 km

Land use

8.33% 4.17% 87.5% (2011)

arable land

8.33%

other

87.5% (2011)

permanent crops

4.17%

Location

Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about half way between Hawaii and New Zealand

Map references

Oceania

Maritime claims

12 nm 200 nm 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

continental shelf

200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

exclusive economic zone

200 nm

territorial sea

12 nm

Natural hazards

typhoons (November to March)

Natural resources

NEGL

Terrain

low coral atolls in north; volcanic, hilly islands in south

Age structure

23.4% (male 1,297/female 1,150) 18.1% (male 1,015/female 877) 38% (male 1,995/female 1,971) 9.9% (male 549/female 483) 10.6% (male 544/female 566) (2013 est.)

0-14 years

23.4% (male 1,297/female 1,150)

15-24 years

18.1% (male 1,015/female 877)

25-54 years

38% (male 1,995/female 1,971)

55-64 years

9.9% (male 549/female 483)

65 years and over

10.6% (male 544/female 566) (2013 est.)

Birth rate

14.93 births/1,000 population (2013 est.)

Contraceptive prevalence rate

43.2% (1999)

Death rate

7.66 deaths/1,000 population (2013 est.)

Drinking water source

urban: 99% of population rural: 87% of population total: 95% of population urban: 1% of population rural: 13% of population total: 5% of population (2000 est.)

rural

13% of population

total

5% of population (2000 est.)

urban

1% of population

Education expenditures

3.2% of GDP (2011)

Ethnic groups

Cook Island Maori (Polynesian) 87.7%, part Cook Island Maori 5.8%, other 6.5% (2001 census)

Health expenditures

5.5% of GDP (2011)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

NA

Infant mortality rate

14.81 deaths/1,000 live births 18.01 deaths/1,000 live births 11.45 deaths/1,000 live births (2013 est.)

female

11.45 deaths/1,000 live births (2013 est.)

total

14.81 deaths/1,000 live births

Languages

English (official), Maori

Life expectancy at birth

75.15 years 72.35 years 78.09 years (2013 est.)

female

78.09 years (2013 est.)

total population

75.15 years

Literacy

age 15 and over can read and write 95% NA NA

definition

age 15 and over can read and write

female

NA

male

NA

total population

95%

Median age

33.7 years 33 years 34.3 years (2013 est.)

female

34.3 years (2013 est.)

male

33 years

total

33.7 years

Nationality

Cook Islander(s) Cook Islander

adjective

Cook Islander

noun

Cook Islander(s)

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

63.7% (2008)

People - note

2001 census counted a resident population of 15,017

Physicians density

2.89 physicians/1,000 population (2009)

Population

10,447 (July 2013 est.)

Population growth rate

-3.07% (2013 est.)

Religions

Protestant 69.6% (Cook Islands Christian Church 55.9%, Seventh-Day Adventist 7.9%, other Protestant 5.8%), Roman Catholic 16.8%, Mormon 3.8%, other 4.2%, unspecified 2.6%, none 3% (2001 census)

Sanitation facility access

urban: 100% of population rural: 100% of population total: 100% of population (2010 est.)

rural

100% of population

total

100% of population (2010 est.)

urban

100% of population

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

12 years 12 years 13 years (2011)

female

13 years (2011)

male

12 years

total

12 years

Sex ratio

1.05 male(s)/female 1.13 male(s)/female 1.15 male(s)/female 1.02 male(s)/female 1.14 male(s)/female 0.96 male(s)/female 1.07 male(s)/female (2013 est.)

0-14 years

1.13 male(s)/female

15-24 years

1.15 male(s)/female

25-54 years

1.02 male(s)/female

55-64 years

1.14 male(s)/female

65 years and over

0.96 male(s)/female

at birth

1.05 male(s)/female

total population

1.07 male(s)/female (2013 est.)

Total fertility rate

2.31 children born/woman (2013 est.)

Urbanization

75% of total population (2008) 1.4% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

rate of urbanization

1.4% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

urban population

75% of total population (2008)

Administrative divisions

none

Capital

Avarua 21 12 S, 159 46 W UTC-10 (5 hours behind Washington, DC during Standard Time)

geographic coordinates

21 12 S, 159 46 W

name

Avarua

time difference

UTC-10 (5 hours behind Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Constitution

effective 4 August 1965 (Cook islands Constitution Act 1964); amended many times, last in 2004 (2004)

Country name

none Cook Islands Harvey Islands

conventional long form

none

conventional short form

Cook Islands

former

Harvey Islands

Dependency status

self-governing in free association with New Zealand; Cook Islands is fully responsible for internal affairs; New Zealand retains responsibility for external affairs and defense in consultation with the Cook Islands

Diplomatic representation from the US

none (self-governing in free association with New Zealand)

Diplomatic representation in the US

none (self-governing in free association with New Zealand)

Executive branch

Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952) represented by Tom J. MARSTERS (since 9 August 2013); New Zealand High Commissioner Joanna KEMPKERS (since 19 July 2013) Prime Minister Henry PUNA (since 30 November 2010) Cabinet chosen by the prime minister; collectively responsible to Parliament 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

cabinet

Cabinet chosen by the prime minister; collectively responsible to Parliament

chief of state

Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952) represented by Tom J. MARSTERS (since 9 August 2013); New Zealand High Commissioner Joanna KEMPKERS (since 19 July 2013)

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

head of government

Prime Minister Henry PUNA (since 30 November 2010)

Flag description

blue, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and a large circle of 15 white five-pointed stars (one for every island) centered in the outer half of the flag

Government type

self-governing parliamentary democracy

Independence

none (became self-governing in free association with New Zealand on 4 August 1965 and has the right at any time to move to full independence by unilateral action)

International law organization participation

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration (New Zealand normally retains responsibility for external affairs); accepts ICCt jurisdiction

International organization participation

ACP, ADB, AOSIS, FAO, ICAO, ICRM, IFAD, IFRCS, IMO, IMSO, IOC, ITUC (NGOs), OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UNESCO, UPU, WHO, WMO

Judicial branch

Court of Appeal (consists of the chief justice and 3 judges of the High Court); High Court (consists of the chief justice and at least 4 judges and organized into civil, criminal, and land divisions) note - appeals beyond the Cook Islands Court of Appeal are brought before the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (in London) High Court chief justice appointed by the Queen's Representative on the advice of the Executive Council tendered by the prime minister; other judges appointed by the Queen's Representative, on the advice of the Executive Council tendered by the chief justice, High Court chief justice, and the minister of justice; chief justice and judges appointed for 3-year renewable terms justices of the peace

highest court(s)

Court of Appeal (consists of the chief justice and 3 judges of the High Court); High Court (consists of the chief justice and at least 4 judges and organized into civil, criminal, and land divisions)

judge selection and term of office

High Court chief justice appointed by the Queen's Representative on the advice of the Executive Council tendered by the prime minister; other judges appointed by the Queen's Representative, on the advice of the Executive Council tendered by the chief justice, High Court chief justice, and the minister of justice; chief justice and judges appointed for 3-year renewable terms

subordinate courts

justices of the peace

Legal system

common law similar to New Zealand common law

Legislative branch

bicameral Parliament consists of a House of Ariki, or upper house, made up of traditional leaders and a Legislative Assembly, or lower house, (24 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) the House of Ariki advises on traditional matters and maintains considerable influence but has no legislative powers last held on 17 November 2010 (next to be held by 2014) percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - CIP 16, Demo 8

election results

percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - CIP 16, Demo 8

elections

last held on 17 November 2010 (next to be held by 2014)

National anthem

"Te Atua Mou E" (To God Almighty) Tepaeru Te RITO/Thomas DAVIS adopted 1982; as prime minister, Sir Thomas DAVIS composed the anthem; his wife, a tribal chief, wrote the lyrics

lyrics/music

Tepaeru Te RITO/Thomas DAVIS

name

"Te Atua Mou E" (To God Almighty)

National holiday

Constitution Day, first Monday in August (1965)

Political parties and leaders

Cook Islands Party or CIP [Henry PUNA] Democratic Party or Demo [Dr. Terepai MAOATE]

Political pressure groups and leaders

Reform Conference (lobby for political system changes) various groups lobbying for political change

other

various groups lobbying for political change

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal

Agriculture - products

copra, citrus, pineapples, tomatoes, beans, pawpaws, bananas, yams, taro, coffee; pigs, poultry

Budget

$70.95 million $69.05 million (FY05/06)

expenditures

$69.05 million (FY05/06)

revenues

$70.95 million

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)

1% of GDP (FY05/06)

Current account balance

$26.67 million (2005)

Debt - external

$141 million (1996 est.)

Economy - overview

Like many other South Pacific island nations, the Cook Islands' economic development is hindered by the isolation of the country from foreign markets, the limited size of domestic markets, lack of natural resources, periodic devastation from natural disasters, and inadequate infrastructure. Agriculture, employing more than one-quarter of the working population, provides the economic base with major exports of copra and citrus fruit. Black pearls are the Cook Islands' leading export. Manufacturing activities are limited to fruit processing, clothing, and handicrafts. Trade deficits are offset by remittances from emigrants and by foreign aid overwhelmingly from New Zealand. In the 1980s and 1990s, the country lived beyond its means, maintaining a bloated public service and accumulating a large foreign debt. Subsequent reforms, including the sale of state assets, the strengthening of economic management, the encouragement of tourism, and a debt restructuring agreement, have rekindled investment and growth.

Exchange rates

NZ dollars (NZD) per US dollar - 1.23 (2012) 1.27 (2011 est.) 1.39 (2010) 1.6 (2009) 1.42 (2008)

Exports

$5.222 million (2005 est.)

Exports - commodities

copra, papayas, fresh and canned citrus fruit, coffee; fish; pearls and pearl shells; clothing

Fiscal year

1 April - 31 March

GDP - composition, by sector of origin

5.1% 12.7% 82.1% (2010 est.)

agriculture

5.1%

industry

12.7%

services

82.1% (2010 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$9,100 (2005 est.)

GDP - real growth rate

0.1% (2005 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$183.2 million (2005 est.)

GDP (purchasing power parity)

$183.2 million (2005 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share

NA% NA%

highest 10%

NA%

lowest 10%

NA%

Imports

$83.49 million (2011 est.)

Imports - commodities

foodstuffs, textiles, fuels, timber, capital goods

Industrial production growth rate

1% (2002)

Industries

fruit processing, tourism, fishing, clothing, handicrafts

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

2.2% (2011 est.) 2.2% (2011 est.)

Labor force

6,820 (2001)

Labor force - by occupation

29% 15% 56% (1995)

agriculture

29%

industry

15%

services

56% (1995)

Population below poverty line

NA%

Stock of broad money

$148.2 million (31 December 2011 est.) $170.9 million (31 December 2010 est.)

Stock of narrow money

$38.99 million (31 December 2011 est.) $38.99 million (31 December 2011 est.)

Taxes and other revenues

38.7% of GDP (FY05/06)

Unemployment rate

13.1% (2005)

Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy

75,400 Mt (2011 est.)

Crude oil - exports

0 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Crude oil - imports

0 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Crude oil - production

0 bbl/day (2012 est.)

Crude oil - proved reserves

0 bbl (1 January 2013 es)

Electricity - consumption

28.95 million kWh (2010 est.)

Electricity - exports

0 kWh (2012 est.)

Electricity - from fossil fuels

98.9% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)

Electricity - from hydroelectric plants

0% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)

Electricity - from nuclear fuels

0% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)

Electricity - from other renewable sources

1.1% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)

Electricity - imports

0 kWh (2012 est.)

Electricity - installed generating capacity

8,090 kW (2010 est.)

Electricity - production

31.13 million kWh (2010 est.)

Natural gas - consumption

0 cu m (2010 est.)

Natural gas - exports

0 cu m (2011 est.)

Natural gas - imports

0 cu m (2011 est.)

Natural gas - production

0 cu m (2011 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves

0 cu m (1 January 2013 es)

Refined petroleum products - consumption

974.1 bbl/day (2011 est.)

Refined petroleum products - exports

0 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Refined petroleum products - imports

484.7 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Refined petroleum products - production

0 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Broadcast media

1 privately owned TV station broadcasts from Rarotonga providing a mix of local news and overseas-sourced programs; a satellite program package is available; 6 radio stations broadcast with 1 reportedly reaching all of the islands (2009)

Internet country code

.ck

Internet hosts

3,562 (2012)

Internet users

6,000 (2009)

Telephone system

Telecom Cook Islands offers international direct dialing, Internet, email, fax, and Telex individual islands are connected by a combination of satellite earth stations, microwave systems, and VHF and HF radiotelephone; within the islands, service is provided by small exchanges connected to subscribers by open-wire, cable, and fiber-optic cable country code - 682; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

domestic

individual islands are connected by a combination of satellite earth stations, microwave systems, and VHF and HF radiotelephone; within the islands, service is provided by small exchanges connected to subscribers by open-wire, cable, and fiber-optic cable

general assessment

Telecom Cook Islands offers international direct dialing, Internet, email, fax, and Telex

international

country code - 682; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

Telephones - main lines in use

7,200 (2009)

Telephones - mobile cellular

7,800 (2009)

Airports

11 (2013)

Airports - with paved runways

1 (2013)

1,524 to 2,437 m

1 (2013)

total

1

Airports - with unpaved runways

1 (2013)

1,524 to 2,437 m

2

914 to 1,523 m

7

total

10

Merchant marine

bulk carrier 2, cargo 25, passenger 1, refrigerated cargo 6, roll on/roll off 1 23 (Estonia 1, Germany 1, Lithuania 1, Norway 8, NZ 2, Russia 1, Sweden 3, Turkey 4, UK 2) (2010)

foreign-owned

23 (Estonia 1, Germany 1, Lithuania 1, Norway 8, NZ 2, Russia 1, Sweden 3, Turkey 4, UK 2) (2010)

total

35

Ports and terminals

Avatiu

major seaport(s)

Avatiu

Roadways

320 km 33 km 287 km (2003)

total

320 km

unpaved

287 km (2003)

Manpower fit for military service

2,198 2,156 (2010 est.)

females age 16-49

2,156 (2010 est.)

males age 16-49

2,198

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually

107 (2010 est.)

female

107 (2010 est.)

male

127

Military - note

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

Military branches

no regular military forces; National Police Department (2009)

Disputes - international

none