The Cook Islands is a parliamentary democracy in the South Pacific Ocean in free association with New Zealand. It comprises 15 small islands whose total land area is 240 square kilometres (92.7 sq mi). The Cook Islands' Exclusive Economic Zone , however, covers 1,800,000 square kilometres (690,000 sq mi) of ocean. The Cook Islands' defence and foreign affairs are the responsibility of New Zealand, in consultation with the Cook Islands. In recent times, the Cook Islands have adopted an increasingly independent foreign policy. Although Cook Islanders are citizens of New Zealand, they have the status of Cook Islands nationals, which is not given to other New Zealand citizens.
Cook Islands Travel Guide
Top Destinations in Cook Islands
Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Escape to Rarotonga, a tranquil island paradise in the heart of the South Pacific. Be enchanted by the turquoise lagoon, swaying palm trees, and sugar-white ... more
Aitutaki, Cook Islands
Aitutaki, a tranquil haven in the heart of the South Pacific, beckons with its turquoise lagoon, sugar-white sandy beaches, and lush green mountains. Snorkel or... more
Avarua, Cook Islands
Avarua (meaning "Two Harbors" in Cook Islands Māori) is a town and district in the north of the island of Rarotonga, and is the national capital of the Cook ...
Mangaia, Cook Islands
Mangaia (traditionally known as A'ua'u Enua, which means terraced) is the most southerly of the Cook Islands and the second largest, after Rarotonga.
