New Zealand
Region
🌍 Oceania
Population
👥 4
Currency
💱 New Zealand dollar
Languages
🗣️ English, Maori, New Zealand Sign Language
This mark means a fact is linked to a checked source. Hover or tap it to see the source. 35 of 141 facts on this page are sourced.
Welcome to New Zealand, a land of breathtaking natural beauty and thrilling adventures! Explore dramatic landscapes from snow-capped mountains and pristine beaches to lush rainforests and geothermal wonders. Discover vibrant cities, experience Maori culture, and indulge in world-class wine and cuisine. Whether you're seeking adrenaline-pumping activities or tranquil escapes, New Zealand offers an unforgettable journey.
Official NameSource: REST Countries
New Zealand
Continent
Oceania
DemonymSource: REST Countries
New Zealander
Independence
New Zealand achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1947.
Top-Level Domain
.nz
Calling CodeSource: REST Countries
+64
Time ZoneSource: REST Countries
UTC-11:00, UTC-10:00, UTC+12:00, UTC+12:45, UTC+13:00
Capital CitySource: REST Countries
Wellington
ISO Alpha-2
NZ
ISO Alpha-3
NZL
UN Code
554
Geographic Coordinates
-41,174
Area (km²)Source: REST Countries
270,467#76 of 249
PopulationSource: REST Countries
4,993,923#126 of 247
Population Density (per km²)
19.92
Highest Point (m)
3,724 meters (Aoraki / Mount Cook).
Lowest Point (m)
Sea level.
Land Use
Approximately 43.6% is used for pasture, 41.5% is forest, and 2.5% is arable.
Irrigated Land
Approximately 4,300 sq km.
Coastline Length
15,134 km
Climate
Temperate with considerable regional variation; warm summers and mild, wet winters.
Natural Resources
Natural gas, iron sand, timber, hydropower, gold, coal, and geothermal energy.
Bordering CountriesSource: REST Countries
No land borders
Major Rivers
Waikato, Clutha, and Manawatu are among the major rivers.
Major Lakes
Lake Taupo, Lake Wakatipu, and Lake Tekapo are among the major lakes.
Government Type
Parliamentary democracy with a constitutional monarchy.
Administrative Divisions
New Zealand is divided into regions and unitary authorities.
Legal System
Based on English common law, with modifications.
Chief of State
King Charles III is the head of state, represented by a Governor-General.
Head of Government
The Prime Minister.
Cabinet
The Cabinet of New Zealand is composed of ministers of the Crown.
Elections
Elections are held regularly to elect members of Parliament.
Judicial Branch
The judicial branch includes the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, High Court, and District Courts.
Legislative Branch
Unicameral Parliament of New Zealand (House of Representatives).
Major Political Parties
Labour Party, National Party, Green Party, ACT New Zealand, and Te Pāti Māori are among the major political parties.
CurrencySource: REST Countries
New Zealand dollar
GDP, Nominal (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
264.06#53 of 211
GDP, PPP (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP, PPP (current international $) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
305.37#69 of 201
GDP per Capita (US$)Source: World Bank: GDP per capita (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
49,591.04#32 of 211
GDP - Agriculture (%)Source: World Bank: Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added (% of GDP) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
4.01
GDP - Industry (%)Source: World Bank: Industry (including construction), value added (% of GDP) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
19.44
GDP - Services (%)Source: World Bank: Services, value added (% of GDP) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
68.23
Inflation Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
2.84#100 of 191
Labor Force (people)Source: World Bank: Labor force, total (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
3,076,335
Unemployment Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Unemployment, total (% of total labor force) (modeled ILO estimate) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
5.08#95 of 185
Public Debt (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Central government debt, total (% of GDP) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
51.99
Budget
The New Zealand budget covers government revenues and expenditures.
Exports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Exports of goods and services (current US$) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
64.6#59 of 192
Imports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Imports of goods and services (current US$) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
67.87#58 of 192
Foreign Reserves
New Zealand's foreign reserves are managed by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand.
Currency Exchange
Exchange rates can be found at major banks and online currency converters.
GDP by Sector
Services, manufacturing, and agriculture are the main sectors.
Major Industries
Tourism, agriculture (dairy, meat, and horticulture), and manufacturing.
Major Export Partners
China, Australia, the United States, and Japan.
Major Import Partners
China, Australia, the United States, and the European Union.
Society
Literacy Rate (%)
Approximately 99%.
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Birth rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
11
Death Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Death rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
7.1
Net Migration Rate
Positive, contributing to population growth.
Median Age
Approximately 38-40 years.
Urban Population (%)Source: World Bank: Urban population (% of total population) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
84#48 of 214
Urbanization Rate
Low urbanization rate.
Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: Life expectancy at birth, total (years) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
82#35 of 214
HIV/AIDS Prevalence
Low prevalence.
Health Expenditures (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Current health expenditure (% of GDP) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
10.06
Ethnic Groups
European, Māori, Asian, and Pacific peoples.
Religions
Christianity, with smaller populations of other religions and those with no religion.
LanguagesSource: REST Countries
English, Maori, New Zealand Sign Language
Education
Education System
New Zealand's education system includes early childhood education, primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.
School Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: School life expectancy, primary to tertiary, both sexes (years) (2018)Checked September 29, 2026
18.9
Government Education Spending
New Zealand's government spends a significant portion of its budget on education.
Primary Education Access
—
Secondary Education Access
—
Higher Education Access
—
Major Universities
Major universities include the University of Auckland, University of Otago, and Victoria University of Wellington.
Culture
Cultural Overview
New Zealand's culture blends Maori traditions with European influences, creating a unique and diverse society.
National HolidaysSource: Nager.Date
- New Year's Day (2026-01-01)
- Day after New Year's Day (2026-01-02)
- Wellington Anniversary Day (2026-01-19)
- Auckland/Northland Anniversary Day (2026-01-26)
- Nelson Anniversary Day (2026-02-02)
- Waitangi Day (2026-02-06)
- Taranaki Anniversary Day (2026-03-09)
- Otago Anniversary Day (2026-03-23)
- Good Friday (2026-04-03)
- Easter Monday (2026-04-06)
- Southland Anniversary Day (2026-04-07)
- Anzac Day (2026-04-27)
Popular Music
Popular music genres include rock, pop, and Maori contemporary music.
Traditional Food
Traditional foods include hangi (earth oven cooking) and Maori cuisine.
Sports
Popular sports include rugby, cricket, netball, and sailing.
Major Festivals
Major festivals include the Auckland Arts Festival and the New Zealand International Film Festival.
Famous People
Famous people include Sir Peter Jackson, Lorde, and Russell Crowe.
Cultural Heritage Sites
Cultural heritage sites include Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Te Papa Tongarewa Museum.
UNESCO Sites
UNESCO sites include Te Wahipounamu – South West New Zealand and Tongariro National Park.
Annual Tourist Visits
Millions of annual tourist visits pre-pandemic.
Tourism Overview
Tourism is a significant part of the economy, known for its natural beauty and adventure activities.
Top Tourist Attractions
Fiordland National Park, Rotorua, Bay of Islands, and various hiking trails.
Famous Cities
Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown.
National Parks
Numerous national parks protecting diverse ecosystems.
Protected Areas
Significant percentage of land is protected.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit New Zealand largely depends on your preferred activities and regions. For vibrant city experiences and general exploration, the shoulder seasons of spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds. Summer (December to February) is ideal for beach lovers and water sports, with the warmest temperatures and longest daylight hours, though it's also the busiest and most expensive period. Hikers will find the summer months offer the most reliable weather for multi-day treks, particularly in the Southern Alps. For wildlife enthusiasts, winter (June to August) can be excellent for whale watching in Kaikoura and snow sports in the central North Island and Southern Alps. If you're keen on experiencing local festivals, check the calendar as events are spread throughout the year, with many cultural celebrations occurring during warmer months.
Tourist Visa Info
Visa requirements vary depending on nationality; many countries can enter visa-free for tourism.
Visa Requirements Overview
Tourist visa requirements for New Zealand vary significantly depending on your nationality and length of stay. Citizens of many countries can enter New Zealand visa-free for short stays, typically for tourism or business purposes. For those who require a visa, an application process will need to be completed in advance. Some nationalities may also need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before traveling. It is essential to check the specific requirements for your country of citizenship well in advance of your planned travel dates. This information can usually be found on the official New Zealand immigration website.
Travel Advisory
Generally safe, but travelers should be aware of potential natural hazards and be mindful of local conditions.
Healthcare
Healthcare Quality
Generally considered to have a high-quality healthcare system.
Medical Cost
Medical costs vary depending on the service and insurance coverage.
Number of Hospitals
New Zealand has a network of public and private hospitals.
Universal Healthcare
New Zealand has a publicly funded healthcare system, providing access to essential medical services.
Medical Services Overview
New Zealand offers a public healthcare system with access to both primary and secondary care.
Emergency Medical Access
Emergency medical services are available throughout the country.
Emergency & Safety
Emergency Number (Police)
The emergency number for police is 111.
Emergency Number (Ambulance)
The emergency number for ambulance is 111.
Emergency Number (Fire)
The emergency number for fire services is 111.
Crime Rate
New Zealand has a moderate crime rate compared to other developed nations.
Safety Index
New Zealand generally has a high safety index.
Military Expenditure
New Zealand's military expenditure is a percentage of its GDP.
Emergency Services Overview
Emergency services are well-equipped and readily available throughout the country.
Safety Overview
New Zealand is generally a very safe country for tourists, with low crime rates. The most common issues tend to be petty theft, such as pickpocketing or car break-ins, particularly in busy tourist areas or popular attractions. It's advisable to keep valuables secure and out of sight, especially when leaving your vehicle unattended. While violent crime is rare, exercising common sense, like avoiding walking alone in poorly lit areas at night, is always a good practice. Be aware of natural hazards like earthquakes, as New Zealand is seismically active; however, these are usually minor and well-managed. Respecting local customs and being aware of your surroundings will ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.
Military Branches
The New Zealand Defence Force comprises the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Infrastructure
Electricity Access
Electricity access is almost universal throughout New Zealand.
Water Access
Access to clean water is widely available.
Sanitation Access
Sanitation access is widely available.
Railways
New Zealand has a railway network primarily used for freight and some passenger services.
Roadways
New Zealand has an extensive network of roadways connecting major cities and towns.
Transportation System
New Zealand's transportation system includes road, rail, air, and sea transport.
AirportsSource: OurAirports
Auckland International Airport (AKL), Christchurch International Airport (CHC), Queenstown Airport (ZQN), Wellington International Airport (WLG), Alexandra Aerodrome (ALR), Ardmore Airport (AMZ)
Ports
Major ports include the Ports of Auckland, Tauranga, and Lyttelton.
Public Transit
Public transit options include buses, trains, and ferries in major cities.
Technology & Communication
Internet Penetration (%)Source: World Bank: Individuals using the Internet (% of population) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
93.52#41 of 211
Mobile Subscriptions (per 100)
High mobile subscription rate.
Tech Startups
Growing tech startup scene, particularly in areas like agritech and cleantech.
Innovation Index
High ranking in global innovation indexes.
ICT Development Index
High ICT Development Index score.
TV Broadcast Stations
Multiple television broadcast stations.
Radio Broadcast Stations
Numerous radio broadcast stations.
Plug Type & Voltage
Type I plugs, 230V, 50Hz
CO2 Emissions (t per capita)Source: World Bank: Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions excluding LULUCF per capita (t CO2e/capita) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
6.01#42 of 202
Air Quality Index
Generally good, but can vary by location; monitored and regulated.
Water Pollution Level
Generally good, but localized issues exist from agriculture and urban runoff.
Renewable Energy Usage
Significant hydro power usage; growing focus on wind, solar, and geothermal.
Environmental Issues
Soil erosion, deforestation, invasive species, and climate change impacts.
Natural Hazards
Earthquakes, volcanic activity, tsunamis, and flooding.
Waste Management
Developing, with efforts to reduce landfill waste; recycling programs in place.
Environmental Agreements
Party to many international agreements on environmental protection.
UN MembershipSource: REST Countries
Yes
Diplomatic Missions
Has diplomatic missions worldwide.
International OrganizationsSource: REST Countries
Commonwealth, OECD
Major Treaties
Key international treaties related to trade, environment, and security.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to many countries.