New Zealand

Wednesday, 13 October 2010

New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean. It is composed by two main Islands (the North Island and the South Island), and numerous smaller islands, most notably Steward Island/Rakiura and the Chatam Islands. The indigenous Māori language¹ name for New Zealand is Aotearoa , commonly translated as land of the long white cloud. The Realm of New Zealand also includes the Cook Islands and Niue (self-governing but in free association); Tokelau; and the Ross Dependency (New Zealand's territorial claim in Antarctida). New Zealand’s capital city is Wellington and it is located south of North Island.

New Zealand is notable for its geographic isolation: it is situated about 2,000 kilometres (1,200 miles) southeast of Australia across the Tasman Sea. During its long isolation New Zealand developed a distinctive fauna dominated by birds, a number of which became extinct after the arrival of humans and the mammals they introduced.

The majority of New Zealand's population is of European descendent; the indigenous Māori are the largest minority. Asians and non-Māori Polynesians are also significant minority groups, especially in urban areas.

The most commonly spoken language is English but they also speak Māori.

New Zealand is a developed country that ranks highly in international comparisons on many topics, including education,  economic freedom and lack of corruption. Its cities also consistently rank among the world's most liveable.

Elizabeth II, as the Queen of New Zealand, is the country's head of state.

¹ Māori or te reo Māori is the language of the indigenous population of New Zealand, the Māori, where it has the status of an official language.

Miguel Amaral