NEW ZEALAND
Located in the South Pacific, New Zealand has a land area around the size of UK or the Phillipines with a population of only 4.4m.
Established as a British colony in 1840, New Zealand has a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarch. The indigenous Maori people are thought to have migrated from the Pacific Islands.
Generally a temperate climate ranging from sub-tropical in the north to cold in the south. New Zealanders generally enjoy a good standard of living, are well educated and healthy. The state provides for welfare with unemployment, disability and superannuation benefits.
The economy is largely based on international trade and the main industries are agriculture, tourism and manufacturing.
Traditionally the main trading partners were UK and Europe, now most New Zealand trade is with Australia, China and the USA.
The North Island of New Zealand is green and rolling and cities include Auckland and Wellington which is the capital. Rotorua is a popular tourist area with geothermal activity.
The South Island is often brown and either flat or alpine. Christchurch, the largest city has recently been struck by an earthquake. Queenstown is a popular tourist destination with skiing and other adventure sports.
New Zealand has a fine sporting heritage and is recognised for the world famous All Black Rugby team. New Zealand has achieved Olympic Gold in track, rowing and equestrian events. Team NZ has been a powerful force in America’s Cup Yacht racing and New Zealand horse breeders have produced champions.
For more information visit www.newzealand.com .
Map of New Zealand courtesy of http://www.freeworldmaps.net/oceania/new-zealand/map.html
Located in the South Pacific, New Zealand has a land area around the size of UK or the Phillipines with a population of only 4.4m.
Established as a British colony in 1840, New Zealand has a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarch. The indigenous Maori people are thought to have migrated from the Pacific Islands.
Generally a temperate climate ranging from sub-tropical in the north to cold in the south. New Zealanders generally enjoy a good standard of living, are well educated and healthy. The state provides for welfare with unemployment, disability and superannuation benefits.
The economy is largely based on international trade and the main industries are agriculture, tourism and manufacturing.
Traditionally the main trading partners were UK and Europe, now most New Zealand trade is with Australia, China and the USA.
The North Island of New Zealand is green and rolling and cities include Auckland and Wellington which is the capital. Rotorua is a popular tourist area with geothermal activity.
The South Island is often brown and either flat or alpine. Christchurch, the largest city has recently been struck by an earthquake. Queenstown is a popular tourist destination with skiing and other adventure sports.
New Zealand has a fine sporting heritage and is recognised for the world famous All Black Rugby team. New Zealand has achieved Olympic Gold in track, rowing and equestrian events. Team NZ has been a powerful force in America’s Cup Yacht racing and New Zealand horse breeders have produced champions.
For more information visit www.newzealand.com .
Map of New Zealand courtesy of http://www.freeworldmaps.net/oceania/new-zealand/map.html