世界各国

Cook Islands

Introduction to Cook Islands

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 and government deficits are continuing problems.

Government

Capital:

Avarua

National holiday:

Constitution Day, first Monday in August (1965)

Economy

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 provides the economic base with major exports made up of copra and citrus fruit. 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 lived beyond its means, 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. 

GDP:

purchasing power parity -$05 million (2001 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 17%
industry: 7.8%
services: 75.2% (2000 est.)

Agriculture products:

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

Industries:

fruit processing, tourism, fishing, clothing, handicrafts

Transportation

Highways:

total: 320 km
paved: 33 km
unpaved: 287 km (2000)

Ports and harbors:

Avarua, Avatiu

Merchant marine:

total: 2 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 4,074 GRT/7,520 DWT
foreign-owned: Australia 1, United Kingdom 1 (2003 est.)
by type: cargo 1, petroleum tanker 1

Airports:

9 (2003 est.)