Cook Islands

The Cook Islands are a self-governing parliamentary democracy in free association with New Zealand. The 15 small islands in this South Pacific Ocean have a total land area of 240 km².

Related Topics:
Free association - New Zealand - South Pacific Ocean

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Tourism drives the economy as the country's number one industry, far ahead of offshore banking, pearls, marine and fruit exports. A popular art form on the islands is tivaivai, often likened to quilting.

Related Topics:
Tourism - Economy - Tivaivai - Quilting

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Defense is the responsibility of New Zealand, in consultation with the Cook Islands and at its request.

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