The country is home to just under 15,000 people (2011 census), but has experienced significant population decline since 1996, with large numbers of Cook Islanders migrating to New Zealand, Australia and other countries in search of education and employment opportunities.
What is the problem with the Cook Islands?
The country is vulnerable to external shocks, including the impacts of climate change and natural hazards, and its economy is reliant on tourism. Cook Islanders have open access to work and residence in Australia and New Zealand, and the country is experiencing urban migration.
What is the status of the Cook Islands?
It is self-governing in 'free association' with New Zealand. Cook Islands is part of the Realm of New Zealand and the Head of State is the King of New Zealand. That means that while it administers its own affairs, Cook Islanders are New Zealand citizens who are free to live and work here.
Are the Cook Islands worth going to?
Explore Cook IslandsIf you're sitting at your desk having Robinson Crusoe daydreams, the Cook Islands might be a great holiday place for you. It doesn't get much more remote or more beautiful—what with the perfect beaches, deep jungle and coral lagoons. Each of the 15 islands seems more breathtaking than the last.
What kind of problems do the Cook Islands have with their economy?
As in many other South Pacific nations, the Cook Islands's economy is hindered by the country's isolation from foreign markets, lack of natural resources aside from fish, periodic devastation from natural disasters, and inadequate infrastructure.
Is Cook Islands a 3rd world country?
Economic overviewOn 1 January 2020, Cook Islands graduated from the OECD Development Assistance Committee List of Official Development Assistance (ODA) recipients. As a high-income status country, Cook Islands became ineligible to receive ODA.
Can an American retire in the Cook Islands?
It is possible and many expats live here or have a business. No one can own land on the island as it is all family land and what you do is lease a property. The lease time frame these days is 60 years. For example there was a house advertised yesterday with a 45 year lease left to run for NZ$185.
Why are people leaving the Cook Islands?
What is the main income of the Cook Islands?
The economy of the Cook Islands is based mainly on tourism, with minor exports made up of tropical and citrus fruit. Manufacturing activities are limited to fruit-processing, clothing and handicrafts.
What ethnicity is Cook Islands?
Cook Islanders are indigenous Polynesians. Other than a small number of contract workers, mainly from New Zealand and more recently from Fiji working in the tourism industry, there are no minority groups in the Cook Islands.
What is Cook Islands main religion?
"The dominant religion of Polynesia and the Cook Islands is Christianity. The missionaries arrived in 1821 and quickly uprooted the old animistic worship of tribal gods and idols. The London Missionary Society focussed its early efforts on the Society Islands.
Can I buy a house in Cook Islands?
Your trusted experts for investment in the Cook IslandsIf you are a non-Cook Islander, it is possible to buy an investment property and seek permission to reside in the Cook Islands. Our team is here to help you through all the paperwork and walk you through every step of the process.
Is Fiji better than Cook Islands?
You can enjoy the vast wilderness, amazing beaches, and city lifestyle you won't find in the Cook Islands. But, if you aim for a less-touristy relaxing beach vacation without heaps to do, the Cook Islands are the first choice. It is simply more laid-back.
Is Cook island cheap?
Is the Cook Islands Expensive to Visit? The Cook Islands is more expensive to visit than Australia, the US, Asia and Europe but cheaper than other Pacific destinations like Hawaii, Fiji and Tahiti (French Polynesia). It has very similar prices to New Zealand.
What language is mostly spoken in the Cook Islands?
Cook Islands MāoriThe official languages of the Cook Islands include English and Cook Islands Māori (or "Rarotongan"). Cook Islands Maori and its dialectic variants are closely related to both Tahitian and to New Zealand Māori.
What ethnicity are Cook Islanders?
Cook Islanders are indigenous Polynesians. Other than a small number of contract workers, mainly from New Zealand and more recently from Fiji working in the tourism industry, there are no minority groups in the Cook Islands.