Cook Islands

Population: 20,611 (July 2001 est.)

Languages: English (official), Maori

Background: Named after Captain Cook, who sighted them in 1770, the islands became a British protectorate in 1888. By 1900, administrative control was transferred to New Zealand; in 1965 residents chose self-government in free association with New Zealand. The...

Currency: New Zealand Dollar (NZD, NZD (NZ$1.46 = US$1))

Data from CIA World Factbook. Click on CIA link for more. Click on map or flag for larger images.