Cook Islands

Region

🌍 Oceania

Population

👥 15

Currency

💱 Cook Islands dollar

Languages

🗣️ Cook Islands Maori, English

This mark means a fact is linked to a checked source. Hover or tap it to see the source. 13 of 141 facts on this page are sourced.

Official NameSource: REST Countries

Cook Islands

Continent

Oceania

DemonymSource: REST Countries

Cook Islander

Independence

This territory does not have an official independence day.

Top-Level Domain

.ck

Calling CodeSource: REST Countries

+682

Time ZoneSource: REST Countries

UTC-10:00

Capital CitySource: REST Countries

Avarua

ISO Alpha-2

ISO Alpha-3

COK

UN Code

184

Geographic Coordinates

-21.23333333,-159.76666666

Area (km²)Source: REST Countries

236#220 of 249

PopulationSource: REST Countries

15,040#227 of 247

Population Density (per km²)

Approximately 73 people per square kilometer.

Highest Point (m)

652 meters (Te Manga on Rarotonga)

Lowest Point (m)

0 meters (Pacific Ocean)

Land Use

Primarily used for agriculture and tourism.

Irrigated Land

Limited irrigated land is used for agriculture.

Coastline Length

120 kilometers

Climate

Tropical, with warm temperatures and high humidity year-round.

Natural Resources

Fishing, pearls.

Bordering CountriesSource: REST Countries

No land borders

Major Rivers

This island nation has no major rivers.

Major Lakes

This island nation has no major lakes.

Government Type

Parliamentary democracy with a constitutional monarchy.

Administrative Divisions

15 islands

Legal System

Based on English common law, with adaptations to local conditions.

Chief of State

King Charles III (represented by the King's Representative)

Head of Government

Prime Minister Mark Brown

Cabinet

The Cabinet is appointed by the Prime Minister.

Elections

Elections are held to elect members of Parliament.

Judicial Branch

High Court and Court of Appeal.

Legislative Branch

Parliament (unicameral)

Major Political Parties

Cook Islands Party, Democratic Party.

CurrencySource: REST Countries

Cook Islands dollar

GDP, Nominal (US$ billion)

The Cook Islands' nominal GDP is relatively small, estimated to be under $1 billion.

GDP, PPP (US$ billion)

PPP data for the Cook Islands is often unavailable due to its small size; therefore, this figure is not available.

GDP per Capita (US$)

GDP per capita is estimated to be around $20,000 - $25,000 USD.

GDP - Agriculture (%)

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GDP - Industry (%)

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GDP - Services (%)

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Inflation Rate (%)

Inflation rates fluctuate, but are usually in line with New Zealand's inflation, approximately 3-5%.

Labor Force (people)

The labor force is relatively small, primarily employed in tourism and related sectors.

Unemployment Rate (%)

Unemployment rates are typically low, often below 5%, due to the tourism-driven economy.

Public Debt (% of GDP)

Public debt figures fluctuate; reliable data may be limited, but is likely moderate.

Budget

The Cook Islands government's budget primarily supports public services and infrastructure, largely reliant on tourism revenues.

Exports (US$ billion)

Exports are relatively small, mainly consisting of black pearls, fish, and fruits, generating under $0.1 billion.

Imports (US$ billion)

Imports, including food, fuel, and manufactured goods, exceed exports, around $0.2-0.3 billion.

Foreign Reserves

Foreign reserves are likely held in New Zealand dollars and are managed by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand.

Currency Exchange

The Cook Islands uses the New Zealand dollar (NZD), and currency exchange services are available.

GDP by Sector

Tourism and related services are the primary contributors to the Cook Islands' GDP.

Major Industries

Tourism, black pearl farming, fishing, and fruit processing are the primary industries.

Major Export Partners

New Zealand is the primary export partner.

Major Import Partners

New Zealand, Australia, and Fiji are the major import partners.

Society

Literacy Rate (%)

Literacy rates are high, estimated to be over 95%.

Birth Rate (per 1,000 people)

The birth rate is moderate, likely around 15-20 births per 1,000 population.

Death Rate (per 1,000 people)

The death rate is moderate, potentially around 7-10 deaths per 1,000 population.

Net Migration Rate

Net migration rates vary, but are generally low.

Median Age

The median age is approximately 40 years old.

Urban Population (%)

The population is largely concentrated in urban areas, likely around 70-80%.

Urbanization Rate

The urbanization rate is relatively stable.

Life Expectancy (years)

Life expectancy is high, approximately 75-80 years.

HIV/AIDS Prevalence

HIV/AIDS prevalence is low.

Health Expenditures (% of GDP)

Health expenditures are a significant portion of the budget, but reliable figures may be limited.

Ethnic Groups

The population is predominantly Cook Islands Māori, with a smaller number of people of European and other descent.

Religions

Christianity is the dominant religion.

LanguagesSource: REST Countries

Cook Islands Maori, English

Education

Education System

The Cook Islands has a public education system, with schools offering primary and secondary education.

School Life Expectancy (years)

Data unavailable.

Government Education Spending

Government spending on education is a significant portion of the budget.

Primary Education Access

—

Secondary Education Access

—

Higher Education Access

—

Major Universities

No major universities in the Cook Islands.

Culture

Cultural Overview

Cook Islands culture is Polynesian, with strong traditions of dance, music, and arts and crafts. Family and community are central.

National HolidaysSource: Nager.Date

New Year's Day (2026-01-01)
New Year's Day (2026-01-02)
Good Friday (2026-04-03)
Easter Monday (2026-04-06)
Anzac Day (2026-04-25)
King's Birthday (2026-06-01)
Ra o te Ui Ariki (2026-07-03)
Constitution Day (2026-08-04)
Gospel Day (2026-10-26)
Christmas Day (2026-12-25)
Boxing Day (2026-12-26)

Popular Music

Polynesian music and dance are central; contemporary music also exists.

Traditional Food

Includes seafood, taro, sweet potatoes, and coconut-based dishes.

Sports

Rugby, netball, and sailing are popular.

Major Festivals

Te Maeva Nui (Constitution Day celebrations).

Famous People

Includes sportspeople and artists.

Cultural Heritage Sites

Limited information.

UNESCO Sites

None.

Annual Tourist Visits

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Tourism Overview

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Top Tourist Attractions

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Famous Cities

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National Parks

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Protected Areas

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Best Time to Visit

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Tourist Visa Info

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Visa Requirements Overview

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Travel Advisory

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Healthcare

Healthcare Quality

Healthcare quality is generally good, but services are limited compared to developed nations.

Medical Cost

Medical costs are relatively high due to the island's remote location.

Number of Hospitals

There are a limited number of hospitals, primarily located on Rarotonga.

Universal Healthcare

Universal healthcare is provided through a publicly funded system.

Medical Services Overview

Medical services are available, including hospitals and clinics, but specialized care may require travel abroad.

Emergency Medical Access

Emergency medical access is available, including ambulance services and air evacuation in urgent cases.

Emergency & Safety

Emergency Number (Police)

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Emergency Number (Ambulance)

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Emergency Number (Fire)

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Crime Rate

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Safety Index

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Military Expenditure

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Emergency Services Overview

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Safety Overview

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Military Branches

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Infrastructure

Electricity Access

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Water Access

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Sanitation Access

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Railways

No railways.

Roadways

—

Transportation System

Roads, boats and domestic flights. Inter-island transport is mostly by boat and air.

AirportsSource: OurAirports

Rarotonga International Airport (RAR)

Ports

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Public Transit

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Technology & Communication

Internet Penetration (%)

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Mobile Subscriptions (per 100)

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Tech Startups

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Innovation Index

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ICT Development Index

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TV Broadcast Stations

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Radio Broadcast Stations

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Plug Type & Voltage

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CO2 Emissions (t per capita)

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Air Quality Index

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Water Pollution Level

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Renewable Energy Usage

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Environmental Issues

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Natural Hazards

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Waste Management

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Environmental Agreements

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UN Membership

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Diplomatic Missions

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International Organizations

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Major Treaties

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Visa-Free Countries

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Cook Islands

Society

Education

Culture

Healthcare

Emergency & Safety

Infrastructure

Technology & Communication

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