"COOK ISLANDS IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC " a Cook Islands Travel Page by JeanCooke

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Set like a jewel in the secluded heart of the South Pacific Sea half way between Hawaii and New Zealand lies the Cook Islands, where the quality of life is still measured only in soft, languid days, majestic sunsets, inviting azure-colored reefs and warm smiles.

The North Cook Islands are tips of submerged, coral-encrusted mountains. The South Cooks and Rarotonga, are steep volcanic peaks with comparatively fertile soil. December-March tropical weather brings warm humid days with a possibility of serious storms. April-November, the climate is mild and equable.

The Cook Islands are named after the English explorer Captain James Cook who first sighted Manuae (Hervey Island) in 1773. The first settlers in the islands, however, were the Polynesians who arrived about 800 AD as part of the great Polynesian migration. The modern day population is still 81% full-blooded Polynesian. The islands were declared a British protectorate in 1888 and came under New Zealand control in 1891. They were given independence in 1965 but the people retain citizenship rights to New Zealand.

The emigration of Cook Islanders to New Zealand in large numbers and resulting loss of skilled labor along with government deficits are continuing problems. Trade deficits are made up for by remittances from emigrants and by foreign aid, overwhelmingly from New Zealand. In 1996, the government declared bankruptcy, citing a $120 million public debt.

Like many other South Pacific Island nations, the Cook Island's economic development is hindered by the isolation of the country from foreign markets, lack of natural resources, periodic devastation from natural disasters, and inadequate infrastructure.

Agriculture provides the economic base with major exports made up of copra and citrus fruit. manufacturing activities are limited to fruit processing, brewing, clothing and footwear, handicrafts, tourism, and offshore banking. agricultural products include, cassava, taro, sweet potatoes, yams, coconut, pawpaws (papayas), citrus fruits, oranges, bananas, mangoes, pineapples, tomatoes, and black pearls.