ISLAS COOK

ISLAS COOK

1. Information about the island

   • The Cook Islands (English: Cook Islands, Cook Islands Maori: Kuki 'Āirani) make up an archipelago located in the South Pacific Ocean, between Hawaii and New Zealand. They have a democratic-parliamentary system of government in free association with New Zealand. The fifteen small islands have a combined area of ​​236 km², 1 but the Exclusive Economic Zone occupies more than 1,800,000 square kilometers of ocean.
   • With more than 90,000 visitors per year in 2006, tourism is the main source of income for the islands, above the business of banks, pearls and exports of seafood and exotic fruits. [Citation needed]
   • The defense and external representation are the responsibility of New Zealand, which must also consult the Cook Islands. Even so, in the last few years the Cook Islands have been adopting increasing independence in regards to the management of Foreign Affairs. [Citation needed] The citizens of the Cook Islands have New Zealand citizenship and also the own nationality of the Islands Cook.
   • The capital is Avarua. A popular form of art on the islands is the tivaevae, a form of quilting. Zealand, particularly on the North Island. In the 2006 census there were 58,008 people identified as descendants of Maori from the Cook Islands.
   • The population is concentrated on the island of Rarotonga (14 153 inhabitants in 2006), where the international airport is located. There are also many citizens of the Cook Islands who live in New Zealand, particularly on the North Island. In the 2006 census there were 58,008 people identified as descendants of Maori from the Cook Islands.
   • With more than 90,000 visitors per year in 2006, tourism is the main source of income for the islands, above the business of banks, pearls and exports of seafood and exotic fruits. [Citation needed]
   • The defense and external representation are the responsibility of New Zealand, which must also consult the Cook Islands. Even so, in the last few years the Cook Islands have been adopting increasing independence in regards to the management of Foreign Affairs. [Citation needed] The citizens of the Cook Islands have New Zealand citizenship and also the own nationality of the Islands Cook.

2. Wildlife and Botany

   • In the Cook Islands there is a variety of hibiscus, the au, which has a nice yellow color and a flower that is used for medicinal purposes. With the branches, huts are made, with the leaves of the au the umu is covered, the earth furnace, and with the fibers they make skirts.
   • The interior of the islands has a rich vegetation, which includes ferns, vines and tall trees, and coconut trees, banana trees, orange trees and grapefruits abound on the coasts. There are also papayas, taros, yams and avocados.
   • The only native mammals are bats and rats. The marine fauna is very abundant in the lagoons and coral reefs. The mynah bird, introduced by man, drove away the native species.

3. Gastronomy

   • The cuisine of the Cook Islands is somewhat peculiar and quite varied. The best way to taste their typical dishes is through the "Progressive Dinner", a gastronomic tour of several hours, where the locals open the doors of their houses, teach their customs and you can enjoy an authentic local food. During this tour, a guided tour will take you from house to house, usually 3 typical homes, to savor all kinds of tropical dishes and fruits, accompanied by a good wine.
   • As is logical, fish is the basic element of Cook Islands cooking, whether it is roasted, marinated, stewed ... One of the most typical dishes is the Ika Mata: tuna marinated for hours with lemon and coconut juice, spiced with a little pepper and chilli pepper. It is accompanied by bread or boiled green plantains.
   • You can also taste the Rori: sea cucumber cooked with banana leaves, or the Eke, based on squid. And for dessert, a Poke, exotic fruit pudding with coconut.

4. Traditions

   • Holidays
     • JANUARY: 1 of January New Year.
     • APRIL : 6, 2007: Good Friday. April 9, 2007: Easter Monday. April 25: day of ANZAC
     • MAY: May 17, 2007: The Ascension.
     • JUNE: The first Monday of June: birthday of the Queen.
     • JULY: July 25: Gospel Day in Rarotonga.
     • AUGUST: August 4: Constitution Day.
     • OCTOBER: October 16: Gospel Day
     • NOVEMBER: Party de Tiare: a colorful and flowery parade.
     • DECEMBER: 25th December, Christmas. December 26: Boxing Day.
   • Customs
     • Unlike the latest fashions of the West, in the customs of the Cook Islands, fattening is closely linked to beauty especially in women. The favorite children were set aside in special places and they were not allowed to exercise.
     • About 19 thousand five hundred people live in the Cook Islands. The majority of the population is Polynesian-Maori, or of Polynesian origin. Pukapukans live in the north. There are also minorities of New Zealanders, Europeans and Chinese.