Cook Islands

Broadcast media

1 privately owned TV station broadcasts from Rarotonga providing a mix of local news and overseas-sourced programs (2016)

Internet country code

.ck

Internet users

total: 5,160 | percent of population: 54.0% (July 2016 est.) | country comparison to the world: 216

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) (2015)

Telephones - fixed lines

total: 7,800 | subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 75 (July 2016 est.) | country comparison to the world: 202

Telephones - mobile cellular

total: 11,000 | subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 105 (July 2016 est.) | country comparison to the world: 213

Agriculture - products

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

Budget

revenues: $86.9 million | expenditures: $77.9 million (2010)

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)

3.7% of GDP (2010 est.) | country comparison to the world: 10

Current account balance

$26.67 million (2005) | country comparison to the world: 54

Debt - external

$141 million (1996 est.) | country comparison to the world: 191

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 became overextended, 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 - | 1.4341 (2016 est.) | 1.4341 (2015 est.) | 1.441 (2014 est.) | 1.4279 (2013 est.) | 1.23 (2012 est.)

Exports

$3.125 million (2011 est.) | $5.163 million (2010 est.) | country comparison to the world: 220

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)

$244.1 million (2010 est.)

GDP (purchasing power parity)

$244.1 million (2010 est.) | $183.2 million (2005 est.) | country comparison to the world: 218

GDP - composition, by sector of origin

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

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$12,300 (2010 est.) | $9,100 (2005 est.) | country comparison to the world: 122

GDP - real growth rate

0.1% (2005 est.) | country comparison to the world: 187

Household income or consumption by percentage share

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

Imports

$109.3 million (2011 est.) | $90.62 million (2010 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: 144

Industries

fruit processing, tourism, fishing, clothing, handicrafts

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

2.2% (2011 est.) | country comparison to the world: 128

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.) | $170.9 million (31 December 2010 est.) | country comparison to the world: 193

Stock of narrow money

$38.99 million (31 December 2011 est.) | country comparison to the world: 191

Taxes and other revenues

35.6% of GDP (2010 est.) | country comparison to the world: 55

Unemployment rate

13.1% (2005) | country comparison to the world: 158

Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy

200,000 Mt (2013 est.) | country comparison to the world: 203

Crude oil - exports

0 bbl/day (2014 est.) | country comparison to the world: 112

Crude oil - imports

0 bbl/day (2014 est.) | country comparison to the world: 116

Crude oil - production

0 bbl/day (2016 est.) | country comparison to the world: 124

Crude oil - proved reserves

0 bbl (1 January 2017 es) | country comparison to the world: 124

Electricity - consumption

29.76 million kWh (2015 est.) | country comparison to the world: 209

Electricity - exports

0 kWh (2016 est.) | country comparison to the world: 127

Electricity - from fossil fuels

80% of total installed capacity (2015 est.) | country comparison to the world: 89

Electricity - from hydroelectric plants

0% of total installed capacity (2015 est.) | country comparison to the world: 170

Electricity - from nuclear fuels

0% of total installed capacity (2015 est.) | country comparison to the world: 75

Electricity - from other renewable sources

30% of total installed capacity (2015 est.) | country comparison to the world: 14

Electricity - imports

0 kWh (2016 est.) | country comparison to the world: 140

Electricity - installed generating capacity

10,000 kW (2015 est.) | country comparison to the world: 208

Electricity - production

32 million kWh (2015 est.) | country comparison to the world: 210

Natural gas - consumption

0 cu m (2013 est.) | country comparison to the world: 173

Natural gas - exports

0 cu m (2013 est.) | country comparison to the world: 91

Natural gas - imports

0 cu m (2013 est.) | country comparison to the world: 115

Natural gas - production

0 cu m (2013 est.) | country comparison to the world: 125

Natural gas - proved reserves

0 cu m (1 January 2014 es) | country comparison to the world: 131

Refined petroleum products - consumption

530 bbl/day (2015 est.) | country comparison to the world: 210

Refined petroleum products - exports

0 bbl/day (2014 est.) | country comparison to the world: 147

Refined petroleum products - imports

528.2 bbl/day (2014 est.) | country comparison to the world: 205

Refined petroleum products - production

0 bbl/day (2014 est.) | country comparison to the world: 133

Area

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

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

mean elevation: NA | elevation extremes: lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m | highest point: Te Manga 652 m

Environment - current issues

limited land presents solid and liquid waste disposal problems; environmental degradation due to unregulated building

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

agricultural land: 8.4% | arable land 4.2%; permanent crops 4.2%; permanent pasture 0% | forest: 64.6% | other: 27% (2011 est.)

Location

Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about halfway 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

tropical cyclones (November to March)

Natural resources

coconuts (copra)

Population - distribution

most of the population is found on the island of Rarotonga

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

4 August 1965 (Cook Islands Constitution Act 1964); amended many times, last in 2004 (2016)

Country name

conventional long form: none | conventional short form: Cook Islands | etymology: named after Captain James COOK, the British explorer who visited the islands in 1773 and 1777

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 Peter MARSHALL (since 10 January 2017) | head of government: Prime Minister Henry PUNA (since 30 November 2010) | cabinet: Cabinet chosen by the prime minister | elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; UK representative appointed by the monarch; New Zealand high commissioner appointed by the New Zealand Government; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or 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 (Parliament of the Cook Islands) in free association with New Zealand

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, ICCt, ICRM, IFAD, IFRCS, IMO, IMSO, IOC, ITUC (NGOs), OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UNESCO, UPU, WHO, WMO

Judicial branch

highest resident 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 heard by 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

description: unicameral Parliament, formerly the Legislative Assembly (24 seats; members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote to serve 4-year terms); note - the House of Ariki, a 24-member parliamentary body of traditional leaders appointed by the Queen's representative serves as a consultative body to the Parliament | elections: last held on 9 July 2014 (next to be held by 2018) | election results: percent of vote by party - CIP 46.1%, Demo 42.3%, One Cook Islands 9.6%, other 2.0%; seats by party - CIP 13, Demo 9, One Cook Islands Movement 2

National anthem

name: "Te Atua Mou E" (To God Almighty) | lyrics/music: Tepaeru Te RITO/Thomas DAVIS | note: adopted 1982; as prime minister, Sir Thomas DAVIS composed the anthem; his wife, a tribal chief, wrote the lyrics

National holiday

Constitution Day, first Monday in August (1965)

National symbol(s)

a circle of 15, five-pointed, white stars on a blue field, Tiare maori (Gardenia taitensis) flower; national colors: blue, white

Political parties and leaders

Cook Islands Party or CIP [Henry PUNA] | Democratic Party or Demo [William HEATHER] | One Cook Islands Movement [Teina BISHOP]

Political pressure groups and leaders

Political Reform Conference (lobby for political system changes) | other: various political change lobbyist groups

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, government deficits, and limited natural resources are of continuing concern.

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

Age structure

0-14 years: 21.12% (male 1,036/female 926) | 15-24 years: 16.63% (male 826/female 719) | 25-54 years: 38.09% (male 1,767/female 1,772) | 55-64 years: 11.99% (male 603/female 511) | 65 years and over: 12.16% (male 557/female 573) (2017 est.)

Birth rate

14 births/1,000 population (2017 est.) | country comparison to the world: 138

Death rate

8.4 deaths/1,000 population (2017 est.) | country comparison to the world: 80

Drinking water source

urban: 99.9% of population | rural: 99.9% of population | total: 99.9% of population | urban: 0.1% of population | rural: 0.1% of population | total: 0.1% of population (2015 est.)

Education expenditures

4% of GDP (2015) | country comparison to the world: 137

Ethnic groups

Cook Island Maori (Polynesian) 81.3%, part Cook Island Maori 6.7%, other 11.9% (2011 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

NA

Health expenditures

3.4% of GDP (2014) | country comparison to the world: 174

Infant mortality rate

total: 13 deaths/1,000 live births | male: 15.8 deaths/1,000 live births | female: 10.1 deaths/1,000 live births (2017 est.) | country comparison to the world: 109

Languages

English (official) 86.4%, Cook Islands Maori (Rarotongan) (official) 76.2%, other 8.3% | note: shares sum to more than 100% because some respondents gave more than one answer on the census (2011 est.)

Life expectancy at birth

total population: 76 years | male: 73.2 years | female: 79 years (2017 est.) | country comparison to the world: 93

Median age

total: 36.6 years | male: 36 years | female: 37 years (2017 est.) | country comparison to the world: 74

Nationality

noun: Cook Islander(s) | adjective: Cook Islander

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

55.9% (2016) | country comparison to the world: 2

Physicians density

1.19 physicians/1,000 population (2009)

Population

9,290 (July 2017 est.) | note: the Cook Islands' Ministry of Finance & Economic Management estimated the resident population to have been 11,700 in September 2016 | country comparison to the world: 224

Population distribution

most of the population is found on the island of Rarotonga

Population growth rate

-2.79% (2017 est.) | country comparison to the world: 235

Religions

Protestant 62.8% (Cook Islands Christian Church 49.1%, Seventh Day Adventist 7.9%, Assemblies of God 3.7%, Apostolic Church 2.1%), Roman Catholic 17%, Mormon 4.4%, other 8%, none 5.6%, no response 2.2% (2011 est.)

Sanitation facility access

urban: 97.6% of population | rural: 97.6% of population | total: 97.6% of population | urban: 2.4% of population | rural: 2.4% of population | total: 2.4% of population (2015 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

total: 15 years | male: 15 years | female: 16 years (2015)

Sex ratio

at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female | 0-14 years: 1.12 male(s)/female | 15-24 years: 1.14 male(s)/female | 25-54 years: 1 male(s)/female | 55-64 years: 1.17 male(s)/female | 65 years and over: 0.97 male(s)/female | total population: 1.07 male(s)/female (2016 est.)

Total fertility rate

2.19 children born/woman (2017 est.) | country comparison to the world: 98

Urbanization

urban population: 75% of total population (2017) | rate of urbanization: 0.8% annual rate of change (2015-20 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 (2017)

Airports - with unpaved runways

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

Civil aircraft registration country code prefix

E5 (2016)

Merchant marine

total: 35 | 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) | country comparison to the world: 82

National air transport system

number of registered air carriers: 1 | inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 1 (2015)

Ports and terminals

major seaport(s): Avatiu

Roadways

total: 320 km | paved: 33 km | unpaved: 287 km (2003) | country comparison to the world: 204