Cook Islands
The Cook Islands is a self-governing Polynesian nation in free association with New Zealand, comprised of 15 islands spread across a vast area of the South Pacific. Recent data indicates a population of approximately 13,000 people and a GDP per capita of around $19,700, reflecting its status as one of the more prosperous island nations in the region.
Where is Cook Islands?
Cook Islands
- Continent
- Oceania
- Country
- Cook Islands
- Coordinates
- -21.23°, -159.77°
Population Details
- Area
- 236 km²
Quick Facts
- Capital
- Avarua
- Region
- Oceania
- Area
- 236 km²
- Languages
- English, Cook Islands Māori
- Currency
- Cook Islands dollar ($), New Zealand dollar ($)
- Timezones
- UTC-10:00
- UN Member
- No
Economy
The economy is heavily driven by the tourism sector, which typically accounts for approximately 70% of the total GDP. Other significant economic contributors include offshore financial services, pearl farming, and the management of marine resources within its extensive exclusive economic zone. Current estimates show a remarkably low unemployment rate of approximately 0.8%, which is influenced by a strong labor market and the ability of residents to seek employment in New Zealand. Future growth is increasingly focused on sustainable fisheries and the exploration of seabed manganese nodules.
Society
Health and education standards in the Cook Islands are high compared to regional averages, with current data showing a literacy rate of approximately 95%. Life expectancy stands at around 77 years, supported by comprehensive public health services primarily centered on the main island of Rarotonga. Connectivity has expanded significantly across the islands, and approximately 74% of the population now has access to internet services.
Climate & Environment
The nation experiences a tropical marine climate with temperatures typically ranging between 24 °C (75 °F) and 30 °C (86 °F). Weather patterns are defined by two distinct seasons: a warm, humid period from November to March and a slightly cooler, drier season from April to October. Steady southeast trade winds help moderate the humidity, although the islands remain vulnerable to tropical cyclones during the wetter months.
Government & Politics
- Government Type
- Self-governing in free association with New Zealand; parliamentary democracy
- Independence
- 1965-08-04 (New Zealand)
Geography
- Highest Point
- Te Manga (652 m)
- Lowest Point
- Pacific Ocean (0 m)
- Coastline
- 120 km
Major Cities
Largest Cities in Cook IslandsExplore weather and climate data for cities in Cook Islands
Climate & Weather
View full climate guideMonthly averages for Avarua
| Month | Temp | Feels Like | Rain | Sun | Humidity | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 27°C / 25°C | 30°C / 27°C | 19days (218 mm) Wet | 10.6h Excellent | 82% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| February | 27°C / 26°C | 31°C / 28°C | 18days (270 mm) Wet | 9.9h Good | 82% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| March | 27°C / 26°C | 31°C / 28°C | 19days (234 mm) Wet | 10h Excellent | 81% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| April | 27°C / 25°C | 29°C / 27°C | 17days (130 mm) Wet | 10.2h Excellent | 78% Humid | Good | View Details |
| May | 26°C / 25°C | 27°C / 25°C | 18days (175 mm) Wet | 8.8h Good | 79% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| June best | 25°C / 23°C | 25°C / 22°C | 9days (88 mm) Wet | 9.3h Good | 73% Muggy | Excellent | View Details |
| July best | 24°C / 23°C | 24°C / 22°C | 13days (84 mm) Wet | 9h Good | 75% Muggy | Excellent | View Details |
| August | 23°C / 22°C | 24°C / 21°C | 11days (104 mm) Wet | 9.3h Good | 74% Muggy | Good | View Details |
| September best | 24°C / 23°C | 24°C / 21°C | 10days (93 mm) Wet | 10.1h Excellent | 76% Humid | Excellent | View Details |
| October best | 24°C / 23°C | 24°C / 21°C | 9days (112 mm) Wet | 10.8h Excellent | 76% Humid | Excellent | View Details |
| November best | 24°C / 23°C | 26°C / 23°C | 9days (53 mm) Wet | 11.7h Excellent | 77% Humid | Excellent | View Details |
| December | 26°C / 25°C | 29°C / 26°C | 18days (165 mm) Wet | 11h Excellent | 81% Humid | Wet | View Details |
Temperature
Line chart showing monthly temperatures. Jan: 27°C / 25°C . Feb: 27°C / 26°C . Mar: 27°C / 26°C . Apr: 27°C / 25°C . May: 26°C / 25°C . Jun: 25°C / 23°C . Jul: 24°C / 23°C . Aug: 23°C / 22°C . Sep: 24°C / 23°C . Oct: 24°C / 23°C . Nov: 24°C / 23°C . Dec: 26°C / 25°C .
Rainfall
Bar chart showing monthly rainfall. Jan: 218 mm. Feb: 270 mm. Mar: 234 mm. Apr: 130 mm. May: 175 mm. Jun: 88 mm. Jul: 84 mm. Aug: 104 mm. Sep: 93 mm. Oct: 112 mm. Nov: 53 mm. Dec: 165 mm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Population data for Cook Islands is currently being loaded.
The capital of Cook Islands is Avarua.
GDP data for Cook Islands is currently being loaded.
GDP data for Cook Islands is currently being loaded.
Cook Islands covers 236 km² (91 sq mi).
Cook Islands has 2 official languages: English, Cook Islands Māori.
Cook Islands uses the Cook Islands dollar ($) as its sole official currency.
Cook Islands is an island nation and shares no land borders.
The best months to visit Cook Islands are June, July, September, October, November, based on climate data for the capital.
The Cook Islands has a population of approximately 13,000 people. The majority of the residents live on the island of Rarotonga, where the capital city, Avarua, is located. The population is largely of Polynesian descent, with Cook Island Māori making up more than 81% of the demographic.
The Cook Islands is a self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand. Under this arrangement, Cook Islanders are New Zealand citizens and have the right to live and work there. While the islands manage their own internal affairs, New Zealand remains responsible for defense and some international diplomatic representation.
The official currency of the Cook Islands is the New Zealand dollar ($), although the country also issues its own Cook Islands dollar for local circulation. These two currencies are used interchangeably on the islands, but the Cook Islands dollar is not legal tender outside of the country.
Tourism is the most vital sector, contributing around 70% of the national GDP. The economy also benefits from offshore banking, the export of high-quality black pearls, and commercial fishing licenses. Government initiatives are also exploring sustainable deep-sea mining as a potential future revenue stream.
The Cook Islands maintains a high literacy rate of approximately 95%. Education is compulsory for children between the ages of five and 15, and the curriculum is closely aligned with the New Zealand education system. This focus on learning has resulted in a highly skilled and bilingual workforce.
All Indicators
Explore Cook Islands's data across 50+ indicators
Demographics
Economy
Health
Education
Environment
Military & Security
Infrastructure
Geography
Last updated: