Generic Information
The Cook Islands are in the South Pacific Ocean, northeast of New Zealand, between French Polynesia and American Samoa There are 15 major islands spread over 2,200,000 km2 (849,425 sq. mi) of ocean, divided into two distinct groups: the Southern Cook Islands and the Northern Cook Islands of coral atolls total land area is 240 square kilometres (92.7 sq. mi).
The Cook Islands is self-governing in free association with New Zealand. New Zealand is responsible for the Cook Islands' defence and foreign affairs, but they are exercised in consultation with the Cook Islands. Although Cook Islanders are citizens of New Zealand they have the status of Cook Islands nationals. Population is estimated at 17,400.
The Cook Islands' main population centres are on the island of Rarotonga (estimated population of 14,000) where there is an international airport.
With about 150,000 visitors travelling to the islands in the 2016-17 financial year, tourism is the country's main industry, and the leading element of the economy, ahead of offshore banking, pearls, and marine and fruit exports.
Generic country information can be located from sources, which are regularly maintained and reflect current facts and figures. For a generic country overview, please consult the following sources:
Cook Islands Wikipedia Country Information: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cook_Islands
Cook Islands IMF Country Information: No direct link available however some further IMF information can be sourced at: http://www.imf.org/external/ns/search.aspx?NewQuery=cook+islands&submit=
Cook Islands Economist Intelligence Unit Information* :No direct link available however some further information can be sourced at: http://search.eiu.com/default.aspx?sText=cook%20islands
(*note - this is a paid service)
Humanitarian Info
Cook Islands World Food Programme Information: No available link to this page
Cook Islands UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Information: No available link to this page
Facts and Figures
Cook Islands Wolfram Alpha Information: http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=cook+islands
Cook Islands World Bank Information: No available link to this page
Cook Islands Population Information: http://worldpopulationreview.com/countries/cook-islands-population/
