LocationSouth Pacific, Polynesia.
Area237 sq km (91.5 sq miles).
Population21,388 (2005).
Population Density90.2 per sq km.
CapitalAvarua (on Rarotonga).
Population: 9,000.
GovernmentSelf-governing state in ‘free association’ with New Zealand. (New Zealand retains responsibility for external affairs.) Gained self-governing status in 1965.
LanguageThe official languages are English and Cook Islands Maori.
ReligionMainly Cook Islands Christian
Church (58%); also Roman Catholic, Latter Day Saints, Seventh Day Adventists and Assembly of God.
TimeGMT - 10.
Electricity220 volts DC, 50Hz.
Head of GovernmentPrime Minister Jim Marurai was elected in December 2004.
Head of StateHM Queen Elizabeth II, represented locally by Sir Frederick Goodwin. New Zealand is represented locally by High Commissioner Rob Moore-Jones since 1998.
TelephoneCountry code: 682. International telephone is available 24 hours from the telecommunications office (Telecom Cook Islands).
Mobile TelephoneRoaming agreements exist with international mobile phone companies. Travelers arriving from New Zealand, Australia and Samoa can arrange roaming with their own network providers. Those from other destinations must purchase a Cook Islands’ sim card and top-up cards. Mobile coverage is available in Rarotonga and Aitutaki.
InternetThere are Internet facilities in Avarua at the Telecom Cook Islands office (open 24 hours a day), at the post office, at Internet cafes and at computer stores.
MediaThe main radio and TV stations are operated by the privately-owned
Elijah Communications, which also publishes weekly newspapers. There are plans in progress for a public radio service.
PostPost office hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1600.
Press• The independent daily,
Cook Islands News,
is published in Maori and English.
•
The Cook Islands Herald and
Cook Islands Independent are independent weeklies, owned by
Elijah Communications.
Radio•
Radio Cook Islands is an independent mediumwave (AM) station, operated by
Elijah Communications.
•
Radio Ikurangi is a private FM station.
Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2007-December 2008 period.
2007 1-2 Jan New Year.
6 Apr Good Friday.
9 Apr Easter Monday.
25 Apr ANZAC Day.
4 Jun Queen’s Birthday.
26 Jul Rarotonga Gospel Day.
4 Aug Constitution Day.
26 Oct National Gospel Day.
25-26 Dec Christmas.
2008 1-2 Jan New Year.
21 Mar Good Friday.
24 Mar Easter Monday.
25 Apr ANZAC Day.
TBC Queen’s Birthday.
TBC Rarotonga Gospel Day.
4 Aug Constitution Day.
26 Oct National Gospel Day.
25-26 Dec Christmas.
Contact Information:Diplomatic representationThe Cook Islands are self governing ’in free association’ with New Zealand and are represented abroad in countries where they have no Consular offices by New Zealand Embassies and High Commissions (see
New Zealand section).
Cook Islands High CommissionPO Box 12-242, 56 Mulgrave Street, Thorndon, Wellington, New Zealand
Tel: (4) 472 5126/7.
E-mail:
cookislands@cookhicom.org.nz Cook Islands Tourist Bureau in the UKc/o Hills Balfour, 36 Southwark Bridge Road, London SE1 9EU, UK
Tel: (020) 7202 6365.
Website:
www.cook-islands.com Useful AddressesPrinciple Immigration Officer
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, PO Box 105, Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Tel: (682) 29347.
Website:
www.cook-islands.gov.ck
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