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Wafer-thin
cays and farflung atolls, white-sand beaches and lush green
volcanic mountains, a slow pace, friendly people - what's
not to like about the Cook Islands? Lascivious dancing and
beer bashes in the bush have survived years of missionary
zeal. The islands have excellent hiking, snorkeling, caving
or just lazing. Get yourself stranded on an outer island and
hope that freighter doesn't come back.
Population:
19,990
Area: 240 sq km (95 sq mi)
Capital: Avarua (pop 16,000)
People: Polynesian (80%), mixed Polynesian and European (8%)
Language: English (official), Maori
Religion: Cook Islands Christian Church
Government: Self-governing parliamentary democracy
Prime Minister: Robert Woonton
GDP:
US$79 million
GDP per head: US$6488
Annual growth: NA
Inflation: 5.8%
Major industries: Fruit processing, tourism
Major trading partners: New Zealand, Japan, Hong Kong, Italy,
Australia
Cook
Islands Flight from UK
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