Information

     New Zealand is an island country in the south- western pacific ocean comprising two main landmasses( its commonly called the north island and south island), and numerous smaller islands. The indigenous Maori named new Zealand Aotearoa, NZ is notable for its geographic isolation, it is situated about 2000 km (1200 miles) south east of Australia across the Tasman sea and its closest neighbour to the north are new Caledonia, Fiji and Tonga. The population of New Zealand is mostly of European descent, the indigenous Maori are the largest minority. Asians and non-Maori polysieans are also significant minority groups, especially in urban areas. The most commonly spoken language is English.

Geography

      New Zealand comprises two main islands, the north and south islands, and a number of smaller islands, located near the centre of the water hemisphere. The total land area 268,680 square kilometres, is a little less than that of Italy or Japan, and a little more than the United Kingdom. The south island is the largest landmasses of NZ and it’s divided along its length by the square Alps. The north island is less mountainous but is marked by volcanism.

Culture

      New Zealand culture is derived from British roots. Its also includes significant influences from American, Australian and Maori cultures, along with those of other European cultures and more recently-non Maori Polynesian and Asian culture. Large festivals in celebration of Diwali and Chinese New Year are held in several of the larger centres. The music and cuisine of NZ are similar to that of Australia, Canada, UK and the USA.

Economy

      New Zealand has a worldwide reputation for agricultural products. Meat and wool are produced from 53 million sheep, and meat and dairy products from more than 8 million cattle. Almost half of New Zealand’s export earnings are derived from farming. Other major exports are timber and timber products, fish and horticultural produce. Tourism and education have increased dramatically in significance over the past decade and are now major earners for New Zealand. Other growth areas include the application of new technology, particularly information technology, genetics and biochemistry, biomedical science, industrial chemistry and areas of high-tech physics. The New Zealand dollar is stable and has a very favorable exchange rate with most countries.