Cook Islands

SHORT INFORMATION

Geography of the Cook Islands

The Cook Islands are in the South Pacific Ocean, north-east of New Zealand, between French Polynesia and American Samoa.

SHORT INFORMATION

Politics of the Cook Islands

The politics of the Cook Islands, an associated state, takes place in a framework of a parliamentary representative democracy within a constitutional monarchy. The Queen of New Zealand, represented in the Cook Islands by the Queen's Representative, is the Head of State; the Chief Minister is the head of government and of a multi-party system.

HOLIDAYS AND TRADITIONS

Culture of the Cook Islands

The locals are adept at making items of clothing and items like necklaces and jewellery made from shells. Giving somebody a shell necklace and placing it around the recipients neck is a goodwill and love gesture.