New Zealand Factfile

Government
New Zealand is a democratic country with its own parlament. However, it is part of the British Commonwealth, and therefore the official head of state is Elizabeth II, the queen of england, Scotland and Wales. New Zealand was the first country in the world to give the vote to women in 1893, to have old age pensions and the eight-hour working day.

Geography
New Zealand, in theSouth Pacific, consists of two large islands plus other smaller islands with an area of 270,000 sq km. North Island has a warm climate and there is quite a lot of volcanic activity. South Island is cooler and has a higher rainfall. In the South Island there are the Southern Alps with Mount Cook (3754 m) the highest mountain in New Zealand.

Economy
New Zealand has some industry but agriculture is more important ? there are 55 million sheep, 8 million cows and 1 million goats in New Zealand!

Wildlife
New Zealand was cut off from the rest of the land on Earth for 80 million years and has some unique animals and plants. The tutara is reptile that has survived from the era of the dinosaurs. The weta is the largest and heaviest insect in the world and the kiwi (the symbol of New Zealand) is a large bird which cannot fly.

The People
Over 80% of the 3,6 million people ae of European (mainly British) origin. Around 9% of the population are Maoris ? who came to New Zealand from Polynesia in the 13th and 14th centuries. The two offical languages in the country are English and Maori.

Lifestyle
New Zealands, who are also known as ?kiwis?, are relaxed people who love the outdoor life. It is not surprising that New Zealand is successful at many sports. Its national sports is rugby and is team, ?the All Blacks?, are often the best in the world. Before every game, the All Blacks peform a ?hake?, a Maori war dance, to frighten the opposing team!

Places to visit
New Zealand has beautiful landscapes. In North Island, they Bay of Islands has lovely old forests and beautiful beaches and the Coromandel is perfect for sailing and watersports. Rotorua is the centue of Maori cultue and has wonderful hot springs. In South Island, the Southern Alps, the West Coast region and the national park of Fiordland all have beautiful scenery.