Cook Islands

Broadcast media

1 privately owned TV station broadcasts from Rarotonga providing a mix of local news and overseas-sourced programs; a satellite program package is available; 6 radio stations broadcast with 1 reportedly reaching all of the islands (2009)

Internet country code

.ck

Internet hosts

3,562 (2012) country comparison to the world: 150

Internet users

6,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 205

Telephone system

general assessment: Telecom Cook Islands offers international direct dialing, Internet, email, fax, and Telex domestic: 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: country code - 682; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

Telephones - main lines in use

7,200 (2009) country comparison to the world: 206

Telephones - mobile cellular

7,800 (2009) country comparison to the world: 212

Agriculture - products

copra, citrus, pineapples, tomatoes, beans, pawpaws, bananas, yams, taro, coffee; pigs, poultry

Budget

revenues: $70.95 million expenditures: $69.05 million (FY05/06)

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)

1% of GDP (FY05/06) country comparison to the world: 34

Current account balance

$26.67 million (2005) country comparison to the world: 56

Debt - external

$141 million (1996 est.) country comparison to the world: 189

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, employing more than one-quarter of the working population, provides the economic base with major exports of copra and citrus fruit. Black pearls are the Cook Islands' leading export. 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.

Exchange rates

NZ dollars (NZD) per US dollar - 1.23 (2012) 1.27 (2011 est.) 1.39 (2010) 1.6 (2009) 1.42 (2008)

Exports

$5.222 million (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 216

Exports - commodities

copra, papayas, fresh and canned citrus fruit, coffee; fish; pearls and pearl shells; clothing

Fiscal year

1 April - 31 March

GDP (official exchange rate)

$183.2 million (2005 est.)

GDP (purchasing power parity)

$183.2 million (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 220

GDP - composition, by sector of origin

agriculture: 5.1% industry: 12.7% services: 82.1% (2010 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$9,100 (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 121

GDP - real growth rate

0.1% (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 178

Household income or consumption by percentage share

lowest 10%: NA% highest 10%: NA%

Imports

$83.49 million (2011 est.) country comparison to the world: 215

Imports - commodities

foodstuffs, textiles, fuels, timber, capital goods

Industrial production growth rate

1% (2002) country comparison to the world: 121

Industries

fruit processing, tourism, fishing, clothing, handicrafts

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

2.2% (2011 est.) country comparison to the world: 50 2.2% (2011 est.)

Labor force

6,820 (2001) country comparison to the world: 219

Labor force - by occupation

agriculture: 29% industry: 15% services: 56% (1995)

Population below poverty line

NA%

Stock of broad money

$148.2 million (31 December 2011 est.) country comparison to the world: 188 $170.9 million (31 December 2010 est.)

Stock of narrow money

$38.99 million (31 December 2011 est.) country comparison to the world: 186 $38.99 million (31 December 2011 est.)

Taxes and other revenues

38.7% of GDP (FY05/06) country comparison to the world: 53

Unemployment rate

13.1% (2005) country comparison to the world: 134

Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy

75,400 Mt (2011 est.) country comparison to the world: 207

Crude oil - exports

0 bbl/day (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 103

Crude oil - imports

0 bbl/day (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 176

Crude oil - production

0 bbl/day (2012 est.) country comparison to the world: 164

Crude oil - proved reserves

0 bbl (1 January 2013 es) country comparison to the world: 120

Electricity - consumption

28.95 million kWh (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 210

Electricity - exports

0 kWh (2012 est.) country comparison to the world: 186

Electricity - from fossil fuels

98.9% of total installed capacity (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 53

Electricity - from hydroelectric plants

0% of total installed capacity (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 164

Electricity - from nuclear fuels

0% of total installed capacity (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 72

Electricity - from other renewable sources

1.1% of total installed capacity (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 80

Electricity - imports

0 kWh (2012 est.) country comparison to the world: 177

Electricity - installed generating capacity

8,090 kW (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 205

Electricity - production

31.13 million kWh (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 210

Natural gas - consumption

0 cu m (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 135

Natural gas - exports

0 cu m (2011 est.) country comparison to the world: 87

Natural gas - imports

0 cu m (2011 est.) country comparison to the world: 182

Natural gas - production

0 cu m (2011 est.) country comparison to the world: 120

Natural gas - proved reserves

0 cu m (1 January 2013 es) country comparison to the world: 128

Refined petroleum products - consumption

974.1 bbl/day (2011 est.) country comparison to the world: 204

Refined petroleum products - exports

0 bbl/day (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 167

Refined petroleum products - imports

484.7 bbl/day (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 205

Refined petroleum products - production

0 bbl/day (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 167

Area

total: 236 sq km country comparison to the world: 215 land: 236 sq km water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative

1.3 times the size of Washington, DC

Climate

tropical oceanic; moderated by trade winds; a dry season from April to November and a more humid season from December to March

Coastline

120 km

Elevation extremes

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Te Manga 652 m

Environment - current issues

NA

Environment - international agreements

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection

Geographic coordinates

21 14 S, 159 46 W

Geography - note

the northern Cook Islands are seven low-lying, sparsely populated, coral atolls; the southern Cook Islands, where most of the population lives, consist of eight elevated, fertile, volcanic isles, including the largest, Rarotonga, at 67 sq km

Irrigated land

NA

Land boundaries

0 km

Land use

arable land: 8.33% permanent crops: 4.17% other: 87.5% (2011)

Location

Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about half way between Hawaii and New Zealand

Map references

Oceania

Maritime claims

territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Natural hazards

typhoons (November to March)

Natural resources

NEGL

Terrain

low coral atolls in north; volcanic, hilly islands in south

Administrative divisions

none

Capital

name: Avarua geographic coordinates: 21 12 S, 159 46 W time difference: UTC-10 (5 hours behind Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Constitution

effective 4 August 1965 (Cook islands Constitution Act 1964); amended many times, last in 2004 (2004)

Country name

conventional long form: none conventional short form: Cook Islands former: Harvey Islands

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

Diplomatic representation from the US

none (self-governing in free association with New Zealand)

Diplomatic representation in the US

none (self-governing in free association with New Zealand)

Executive branch

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952) represented by Tom J. MARSTERS (since 9 August 2013); New Zealand High Commissioner Joanna KEMPKERS (since 19 July 2013) head of government: Prime Minister Henry PUNA (since 30 November 2010) cabinet: Cabinet chosen by the prime minister; collectively responsible to Parliament (For more information visit theWorld Leaders website) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; the UK representative appointed by the monarch; the New Zealand high commissioner 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

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

Government type

self-governing parliamentary democracy

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)

International law organization participation

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration (New Zealand normally retains responsibility for external affairs); accepts ICCt jurisdiction

International organization participation

ACP, ADB, AOSIS, FAO, ICAO, ICRM, IFAD, IFRCS, IMO, IMSO, IOC, ITUC (NGOs), OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UNESCO, UPU, WHO, WMO

Judicial branch

highest court(s): Court of Appeal (consists of the chief justice and 3 judges of the High Court); High Court (consists of the chief justice and at least 4 judges and organized into civil, criminal, and land divisions) note - appeals beyond the Cook Islands Court of Appeal are brought before the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (in London) judge selection and term of office: High Court chief justice appointed by the Queen's Representative on the advice of the Executive Council tendered by the prime minister; other judges appointed by the Queen's Representative, on the advice of the Executive Council tendered by the chief justice, High Court chief justice, and the minister of justice; chief justice and judges appointed for 3-year renewable terms subordinate courts: justices of the peace

Legal system

common law similar to New Zealand common law

Legislative branch

bicameral Parliament consists of a House of Ariki, or upper house, made up of traditional leaders and a Legislative Assembly, or lower house, (24 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) note: the House of Ariki advises on traditional matters and maintains considerable influence but has no legislative powers elections: last held on 17 November 2010 (next to be held by 2014) election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - CIP 16, Demo 8

National anthem

name: "Te Atua Mou E" (To God Almighty)

National holiday

Constitution Day, first Monday in August (1965)

Political parties and leaders

Cook Islands Party or CIP [Henry PUNA] Democratic Party or Demo [Dr. Terepai MAOATE]

Political pressure groups and leaders

Reform Conference (lobby for political system changes) other: various groups lobbying for political change

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal

Background

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.

Manpower fit for military service

males age 16-49: 2,198 females age 16-49: 2,156 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually

male: 127 female: 107 (2010 est.)

Military - note

defense is the responsibility of New Zealand in consultation with the Cook Islands and at its request

Military branches

no regular military forces; National Police Department (2009)

Age structure

0-14 years: 23.4% (male 1,297/female 1,150) 15-24 years: 18.1% (male 1,015/female 877) 25-54 years: 38% (male 1,995/female 1,971) 55-64 years: 9.9% (male 549/female 483) 65 years and over: 10.6% (male 544/female 566) (2013 est.)

Birth rate

14.93 births/1,000 population (2013 est.) country comparison to the world: 134

Contraceptive prevalence rate

43.2% (1999)

Death rate

7.66 deaths/1,000 population (2013 est.) country comparison to the world: 112

Drinking water source

improved: urban: 99% of population rural: 87% of population total: 95% of population unimproved: urban: 1% of population rural: 13% of population total: 5% of population (2000 est.)

Education expenditures

3.2% of GDP (2011) country comparison to the world: 138

Ethnic groups

Cook Island Maori (Polynesian) 87.7%, part Cook Island Maori 5.8%, other 6.5% (2001 census)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

NA

Health expenditures

5.5% of GDP (2011) country comparison to the world: 121

Infant mortality rate

total: 14.81 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 113 male: 18.01 deaths/1,000 live births female: 11.45 deaths/1,000 live births (2013 est.)

Languages

English (official), Maori

Life expectancy at birth

total population: 75.15 years country comparison to the world: 96 male: 72.35 years female: 78.09 years (2013 est.)

Literacy

definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 95% male: NA female: NA

Median age

total: 33.7 years male: 33 years female: 34.3 years (2013 est.)

Nationality

noun: Cook Islander(s) adjective: Cook Islander

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

63.7% (2008) country comparison to the world: 3

People - note

2001 census counted a resident population of 15,017

Physicians density

2.89 physicians/1,000 population (2009)

Population

10,447 (July 2013 est.) country comparison to the world: 226

Population growth rate

-3.07% (2013 est.) country comparison to the world: 233

Religions

Protestant 69.6% (Cook Islands Christian Church 55.9%, Seventh-Day Adventist 7.9%, other Protestant 5.8%), Roman Catholic 16.8%, Mormon 3.8%, other 4.2%, unspecified 2.6%, none 3% (2001 census)

Sanitation facility access

improved: urban: 100% of population rural: 100% of population total: 100% of population (2010 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

total: 12 years male: 12 years female: 13 years (2011)

Sex ratio

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.13 male(s)/female 15-24 years: 1.15 male(s)/female 25-54 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 55-64 years: 1.14 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.96 male(s)/female total population: 1.07 male(s)/female (2013 est.)

Total fertility rate

2.31 children born/woman (2013 est.) country comparison to the world: 96

Urbanization

urban population: 75% of total population (2008) rate of urbanization: 1.4% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

Disputes - international

none

Airports

11 (2013) country comparison to the world: 153

Airports - with paved runways

total: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2013)

Airports - with unpaved runways

total: 10 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 7 under 914 m: 1 (2013)

Merchant marine

total: 35 country comparison to the world: 81 by type: bulk carrier 2, cargo 25, passenger 1, refrigerated cargo 6, roll on/roll off 1 foreign-owned: 23 (Estonia 1, Germany 1, Lithuania 1, Norway 8, NZ 2, Russia 1, Sweden 3, Turkey 4, UK 2) (2010)

Ports and terminals

major seaport(s): Avatiu

Roadways

total: 320 km country comparison to the world: 202 paved: 33 km unpaved: 287 km (2003)