last edited Dec 11, 2019
Introduction to the Cook Islands
Location Map of Cook Islands
Cook Islands
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Quick Overview
Key Facts
- Type of place: state.
- Location: in the middle of the Pacific, east of the Samoan Islands.
- Latitude/longitude: 21°12' S, 159°46' W.
- Local time:
- Capital: Avarua (on Rarotonga Island).
- Nature of the state: self-governing in free association with New Zealand.
- Official languages: English and Cook Islands Māori.
- Currency: Cook Islands dollar and New Zealand dollar.
- Population: 21,000 inhabitants (2016).
- Area: 240 km².
- Density: 87 inhabitants/km².
- Highest point: Te Manga Mountain (652 m) on Rarotonga Island.
- Lowest point: sea level.
- Coastline: 120 km.
- Driving: on the left.
Tourism
Islands and atolls just as you’d picture them in the Pacific. This territory, in association with New Zealand, is a (small) holiday-relaxation destination, at least for its southernmost islands. Each year, it attracts just over 150,000 visitors (169,000 in 2018), the vast majority coming from New Zealand, Australia, or the USA.
Travel Essentials
- Destination: for beginner travelers.
- By air: France–Rarotonga.
- Entry requirements: passport + return or onward ticket.
- Currency to bring:
- Exchange rate:
- Daily "backpacker" budget:
- Best for accommodation:
- Best for getting around:
- Risks:
- Best time for climate/crowds/prices:
- Interests (out of ): Nature ; Adventure ; Culture ; Relaxation-holidays
Useful Addresses
Socio-Economic Statistics
- "Quality of life": ()
- GDP per capita: $16,700 (2016)
- Average monthly income: ()
- Inflation: +2.2% (2013)
- "Official" unemployment: ()
- Population below the poverty line: ()
- Life expectancy: 76.2 years (2018)
- Migration rate per 1,000 inhabitants: ()
- Population growth: -2.72% (2018)
- Literacy rate: ()
- Urban population: 75.1% (2018)
- Press freedom: ()
- Political regime: ()
Sources: World Bank, Human Development Indicators, RSF, The Economist, The World Factbook