Capital: Wellington
Currency: New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
Borders: 0 km
New Zealand is comprised of two main islands 'the south and north'
in the South Pacific Ocean, southeast of Australia. The total
landmass measures 268,680 sq km and includes the offshore islands of
Antipodes Islands, Auckland, Bounty, Campbell, Chatham and Kermadec.
The terrain is exceptionally beautiful. Lush green valleys and
fertile plains jut in from the coastal plains and give way to
mountainous zones that sprout glaciers and gushing rivers that give
way to stunning waterfalls. Areas of hot springs and sulphuric mud
activity also exist within New Zealand. The highest point of
elevation is Mount Cook at a height of 3764m. The New Zealanders,
also known as 'Kiwis' after the native namesake bird, are very
active and offer the visitor the chance to join in with extreme
sports like white water rafting, mountaineering, bungee jumping,
hang gliding, kite surfing and parachuting.
Once a British colony, New Zealand became independent in 1907,
although it remains a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. The
reigning head of state is Queen Elizabeth II. The population is made
up of New Zealand Europeans, Maoris, Pacific Islanders and Asians.
This population is 99% literate and 80% live within the cities. The
capital city is Wellington and is found on the North Island. The
particularly intimidating national rugby team dubbed the 'All
Blacks' are world famous for being amidst the great rugby nations of
the world. The official languages of New Zealand are English and
Maori. The national unit of currency is the New Zealand Dollar.
The economy is dependent largely on foreign trade. 65% of the
national workforce works within services and a further 25% within
industry. Just 10% works within the agricultural sector. The main
industries of New Zealand are food processing, wood and paper
products, textiles, machinery, transportation equipment, banking and
insurance, tourism and mining. Wheat, barley, potatoes, pulses,
fruits, vegetables and wool represent the agricultural produce. New
Zealand has many valuable natural resources including natural gas,
iron ore, sand, coal, timber, gold and limestone. New Zealand's
transport network consists of 3908 km of railways and 92000 km of
highways.
The climate of is temperate with some distinct regional variations.
An almost constant wind blows across New Zealand and is at its most
forceful during the wintertime. At this time of year, much of the
country receives snow. The warmer months are between November and
April. The highest recorded temperature in Wellington was 31°C. The
coldest was -2°C. It is fair to say that the South Island is always
a few degrees cooler than it's northern sister. |
