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New Zealand has a
population of 4 million. The majority live in the North Island,
while the South Island is sparsely populated. The city of Auckland,
in the upper North Island, is the largest in the nation, with a
population of more than 1 million. The capital, however, is
Wellington, in the lower North Island. The largest city in the South
Island is Christchurch, midway along the east coast.
The majority of New Zealanders are of British descent: also known as
Pakeha. Other European cultures such as Scandanavian, Dutch, French,
German, Italian, Greek and Dalmatian are also represented. Many New
Zealanders originate from the Pacific Islands or Asia but the
largest non-European group is the Maori population.
New Zealand is a highly developed, stable parliamentary democracy,
which recognizes the British monarch as sovereign. It has a modern
economy, and tourist facilities are widely available. The New
Zealand Tourist Board has a wide range of information
of interest to travelers.
Brief History of New Zealand
New
Zealand has a rich and fascinating history, reflecting both our
Maori and European heritage. Amazing Maori historic sites and taonga
(treasures), some dating back almost a thousand years, are a
contrast to many beautiful colonial buildings. A walk around any New
Zealand city today shows what a culturally diverse and fascinating
country we have become.
An 1840 treaty between Maori and the British Crown is New Zealand’s
founding document. Today, the Treaty of Waitangi has a major impact
on all New Zealanders. Over a thousand years ago, Maori became the
first people to migrate to New Zealand. Since then, people have come
from around the world to settle here. Though a Dutchman was the
first European to sight the land, it was the British who colonised
New Zealand, leaving an indelible mark on the country and its
people.
Geaography New Zealand, about 1,250 mi (2,012 km) southeast of Australia,
consists of two main islands and a number of smaller outlying
islands so scattered that they range from the tropical to the antarctic. The country is the size of Colorado. New Zealand's two
main components are the North Island and the South Island, separated
by Cook Strait. The North Island (44,281 sq mi; 115,777 sq km) is
515 mi (829 km) long and volcanic in its south-central part. This
area contains many hot springs and beautiful geysers. South Island
(58,093 sq mi; 151,215 sq km) has the Southern Alps along its west
coast, with Mount Cook (12,316 ft; 3754 m) the highest point. Other
inhabited islands include Stewart Island, the Chatham Islands, and
Great Barrier Island. The largest of the uninhabited outlying
islands are the Auckland Islands (234 sq mi; 606 sq km), Campbell
Island (44 sq mi; 114 sq km), the Antipodes Islands (24 sq mi; 62 sq
km), and the Kermadec Islands (13 sq mi; 34 sq km).
Culture New Zealand has a unique and dynamic culture. The culture of its
indigenous Maori people affects the language, the arts, and even the
accents of all New Zealanders.
Their place in the South Pacific, and
their love of the outdoors, sport, and the arts
make New Zealanders and their culture unique in the world.
Trasportation Transportation: Railways: total: 3,898 km (2002). Highways: total:
92,053 km; paved: 57,809 km (including at least 190 km of
expressways); unpaved: 34,244 km (2000). Waterways: 1,609 km; of
little importance to transportation. Ports and harbors:
Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Tauranga, Wellington. Airports: 113
(2002).
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