Cook Islands
self-governing parliamentary democracy
Cook Islands as the 2003 edition of the CIA World Factbook published it: 108 fields, one of 36 editions from 1990 to 2025.
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Introduction
1 fieldBackground
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.
Geography
Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about one-half of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand
18 fieldsLand useshare of 240 sq km
Location
Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about one-half of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand
Environment - international agreements
- party to:
- Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Law of the Sea
- signed, but not ratified:
- none of the selected agreements
Geography - note
- the northern Cook Islands are seven low-lying, sparsely populated, coral atolls;
- the southern Cook Islands consist of eight elevated, fertile, volcanic isles where most of the populace lives
People
17 fieldsGovernment
Self-governing parliamentary democracy; Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Frederick GOODWIN (since NA); Prime Minister Dr. Robert WOONTON (since 12 February 2002)
19 fieldsParliament, 24 seats, elected 16 June 1999one dot, one seat
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
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)
Executive branch
- chief of state:
- Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Frederick GOODWIN (since NA);
- New Zealand High Commissioner Kurt MEYER (since NA), representative of New Zealand
- elections:
- none;
- the monarch is hereditary;
- the UK representative is appointed by the monarch;
- the New Zealand high commissioner is 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 Dr. Robert WOONTON (since 12 February 2002); Deputy Prime Minister Ngamau MUNOKOA (since 5 November 2003)
- cabinet:
- Cabinet chosen by the prime minister; collectively responsible to Parliament
Legislative branch
unicameral Parliament (25 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)
- elections:
- last held 16 June 1999 (next to be held by NA 2004)
- election results:
- percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - CIP 12, DAP 12, NAP 1
note: the House of Ariki (chiefs) advises on traditional matters and maintains considerable influence, but has no legislative powers
Political parties and leaders
- Cook Islands People's Party or CIP [Geoffrey HENRY];
- Democratic Alliance Party or DAP [Terepai MAOATE];
- New Alliance Party or NAP [Norman GEORGE];
- Cook Islands National Party or CIN [Teariki HEATHER]
International organization participation
ACP, AsDB, ESCAP (associate), FAO, ICAO, ICFTU, IFAD, IFRCS (associate), IOC, OPCW, Sparteca, SPC, SPF, UNESCO, WHO, WMO
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
Economy
36 fieldsGDP - composition by sector(2000 est.)
Trading partnersexports left, imports right
Electricity
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 provides the economic base with major exports made up of copra and citrus fruit. 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.
Labor force - by occupation
agriculture 29%, industry 15%, services 56% note: shortage of skilled labor (1995)
Agriculture - products
copra, citrus, pineapples, tomatoes, beans, pawpaws, bananas, yams, taro, coffee; pigs, poultry
Exports - commodities
- copra, papayas, fresh and canned citrus fruit, coffee;
- fish;
- pearls and pearl shells;
- clothing
Economic aid - recipient
$13.1 million; note - New Zealand continues to furnish the greater part (1995)
Exchange rates
New Zealand dollars per US dollar - 2.3535 (January 2002), 2.3776 (2001), 2.1863 (2000), 1.8886 (1999), 1.8632 (1998), 1.5083 (1997)
Communications
8 fieldsTelephone system
- general assessment:
- NA
- domestic:
- the 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
- international:
- satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)
Transportation
7 fieldsAirports by runway lengthpaved only
Airports by runway lengthunpaved only
Networkskm
Military
1 fieldMilitary - note
defense is the responsibility of New Zealand, in consultation with the Cook Islands and at its request
Transnational Issues
1 fieldCite this entry
Central Intelligence Agency. “Cook Islands.” The World Factbook 2003. Archived by The Factbook, thefactbook.org/cook-islands/2003.