Cook Islands

The Cook Islands are 15 islands in the South Pacific, between French Polynesia and Fiji. They form part of Polynesia and are generally divided into a Southern Group and a Northern Group. Rarotonga is the largest and most populated island, and it is home to Avarua, the capital. The islands cover only about 240 square kilometres of land.

Their landscapes have different geological origins: Rarotonga is a volcanic island with steep interior mountains, while several other islands are low coral atolls or raised coral islands. Aitutaki, for example, combines a volcanic island with a large lagoon and surrounding reef. The climate is tropical oceanic, moderated by the Pacific Ocean.

Temperatures remain generally warm throughout the year, while rainfall varies between islands and seasons. The Cook Islands are self-governing in free association with New Zealand, a political status established in 1965. They manage their internal affairs through their own government and laws, while New Zealand retains responsibilities for defence and foreign affairs.

Cook Islanders hold New Zealand citizenship. Tourism is an important part of the economy, alongside agriculture, fishing and services. The islands are also exposed to tropical cyclones, coastal flooding and the effects of climate change, making the protection of reefs, freshwater resources and coastal communities especially important.