New Zealand, officially known as the Realm of New Zealand, is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It consists of two main landmasses, the North Island (North Island) and the South Island (South Island), and over 700 smaller islands, covering a total area of 268,021 square kilometers.
New Zealand is characterized by its rugged mountains, rolling hills, and about 15,000 kilometers of coastline. The country's most famous geographical features include:
The first settlers of New Zealand were the Polynesian people, who arrived around 1250-1300 AD, naming the country Aotearoa, which means "land of the long white cloud." European exploration began with the Dutch explorer Abel Tasman in 1642, but it was James Cook who extensively mapped the coastline in 1769.
British colonization began in earnest in 1840 with the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi between Māori chiefs and representatives of the British Crown. This treaty established British sovereignty over New Zealand, although interpretations and breaches of the treaty have been sources of contention ever since.
New Zealand is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system of government. The Monarch of New Zealand is the ceremonial head of state, represented by a Governor-General. The real executive power lies with the Prime Minister and the Cabinet.
The economy of New Zealand is heavily based on agriculture, with significant contributions from dairy products, meat, and wool. Tourism, manufacturing, and service sectors are also key components. New Zealand has a modern, prosperous, and developed economy with a GDP per capita that ranks among the highest in the world.
New Zealand has a rich cultural tapestry, with strong influences from Māori culture, British heritage, and more recent immigrant cultures:
New Zealand is renowned for its commitment to environmental conservation: