Cook Islands

The Cook Islands lie between French Polynesia and American Samoa, split into the Southern and Northern Groups. Rarotonga, the most populated island, has rugged mountains encircled by a coastal reef and lagoon, while Aitutaki boasts a triangular lagoon dotted with small motu islets. The northern atolls, such as Manihiki and Penrhyn, host black pearl farms. The islands enjoy a tropical climate with trade winds and occasional cyclones.

Polynesians settled the islands a millennium ago, developing vaka navigation and clan-based leadership. British explorer James Cook mapped parts of the archipelago in the 1770s, and the islands later became a British protectorate. In 1901, administration shifted to New Zealand. The Cook Islands achieved self-government in free association with New Zealand in 1965, allowing Cook Islanders to hold New Zealand citizenship while managing their own parliament and domestic affairs. The islands maintain diplomatic relations and join regional organizations independently.

The Cook Islands have a parliamentary democracy with a prime minister, cabinet, and unicameral Parliament. The House of Ariki, composed of high chiefs, advises on customs, while the Koutu Nui brings together sub-chiefs. Local island councils manage infrastructure, waste, and cultural events. New Zealand handles defense and offers financial assistance, though the Cook Islands conduct their own foreign policy and participate in the United Nations under New Zealand's name.

The economy relies on tourism, fisheries, black pearls, agriculture, and offshore financial services. Resorts on Rarotonga and Aitutaki welcome travelers seeking snorkeling, hiking, and weddings on the beach. Pearl farms cultivate black pearls in lagoon oysters, and farmers grow pawpaw, bananas, taro, and noni fruit. Renewable-energy goals aim for 100% clean power using solar arrays and battery storage on smaller islands. Marine reserves, such as the Marae Moana sanctuary, protect ecosystems across the entire exclusive economic zone.

Culture features Cook Islands Māori language, drumming, and storytelling. Dance troupes perform ʻura hip-swaying dances accompanied by pate slit drums and ukuleles, especially during the Te Maeva Nui festival that celebrates self-government. Tattoo artists create intricate designs referencing genealogy and voyaging, while carvers make wooden gods and vaka models. Students learn both English and Cook Islands Māori, join vaka paddling teams, participate in environmental clubs that monitor coral health, and help elders record legends so knowledge passes to future generations.