Country Profile: Cook Islands
The Cook Islands is a parliamentary democracy located in the South Pacific Ocean, about halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand. The population of approximately 7,592 is mainly concentrated on Rarotonga, the largest island, which also serves as the political and economic hub. The economy is predominantly tourism-based, supported by agriculture and fishing, although it faced significant challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Cook Islands enjoys a high degree of autonomy as a self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand, which handles its defense and foreign relations.
Geography
The Cook Islands consists of a group of islands located in Oceania, with a total area of 236 square kilometers. The islands feature a mix of low coral atolls in the north and volcanic terrains in the south, with Rarotonga being the most populous and fertile island. The climate is tropical oceanic, experiencing a dry season from April to November and a humid season from December to March.
- 236 sq km total area
- 120 km of coastline
- 652 m highest point (Te Manga)
- 12 nm territorial sea
- 200 nm exclusive economic zone
- 65% forest cover (2023)
People and Society
The Cook Islands has a population of around 7,592, with a notable majority being Cook Island Maori (77.4%). English and Cook Islands Maori are the official languages, reflecting the cultural heritage of the islands. The population growth rate is currently negative, and the median age is about 41.5 years, indicating an aging population.
- 7,592 estimated population (2025)
- 53.2% women aged 15-49 currently married (2021)
- 11.85 births per 1,000 persons (2025)
- 77.6 years life expectancy at birth (2024)
- 24% tobacco use (2025)
- OBESITY: 55.9% adult prevalence rate (2016)
Economy
The Cook Islands operates a high-income economy mainly driven by tourism, agriculture, and fishing, with the economy recovering from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The GDP in purchasing power parity is estimated at $401.155 million for 2024, with tourism playing a critical role. The country exports copra and tropical fruits while receiving aid from organizations like the Asian Development Bank.
- $401.155 million GDP (PPP 2024 est.)
- 10.5% GDP growth rate (2022 est.)
- $29,800 GDP per capita (PPP 2024 est.)
- $113.687 million government revenue (2022 est.)
- 44% imports from New Zealand (2023)
Government
The Cook Islands is a self-governing parliamentary democracy in free association with New Zealand, granting it considerable autonomy regarding internal affairs. The Prime Minister leads the government, with the judiciary reflecting common law similar to that of New Zealand. The Cook Islands celebrated its self-governing status on August 4, 1965, which is commemorated annually as Constitution Day.
- Prime Minister: Mark Brown (since October 1, 2020)
- 24 members in Parliament (unicameral)
- Voting: Universal suffrage at age 18
- National holiday: Constitution Day (first Monday in August)
Military and Security
The Cook Islands has no regular military forces and relies on New Zealand for defense. The Cook Islands Police Service is responsible for maintaining order, while bilateral agreements with the United States allow for enhanced maritime security collaboration.
- No regular military forces
- Defense: Responsibility lies with New Zealand
- Shiprider agreement with the US for maritime law enforcement (2025)
Energy
The energy sector in the Cook Islands consists of a mix of fossil fuels and renewable sources, with an installed electricity generation capacity of 17,000 kW. The country faces challenges in meeting energy demands due to limited resources.
- 17,000 kW installed capacity (2023)
- 37.5 million kWh total electricity consumption (2023)
- 60.9% of energy from fossil fuels (2023)
Environment
The Cook Islands faces several environmental issues, including deforestation, overfishing, and pollution, which are exacerbated by a lack of regulatory oversight. The country participates in various international environmental agreements aimed at addressing climate change and biodiversity conservation.
- 65% forest area (2023)
- 103,000 metric tonnes CO2 emissions (2023)
- Tropical climate with seasonal variations
Transportation
The Cook Islands has a modest transportation infrastructure, including ten airports and a merchant marine consisting of 190 vessels. The primary port, Avatiu, facilitates trade, while local air travel is common among the islands.
- 10 airports (2025)
- 190 merchant vessels (2023)
- 1 port with oil terminal (2024)
Communications
Communication infrastructure includes a mix of fixed and mobile telephony, with internet penetration at approximately 64.8%. The Cook Islands has steps in place to improve broadband availability and expand access to modern communication technologies.
- 18,100 mobile subscriptions (2022)
- 6,990 fixed-line subscriptions (2022)
- 64.8% internet user rate (2021)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 7,592 | Estimated for 2025 |
| Area | 236 sq km | |
| GDP (PPP) | $401.155 million | Estimated for 2024 |
| Energy Consumption | 37.5 million kWh | Total for 2023 |
| Birth Rate | 11.85 births/1,000 | Estimated for 2025 |
| Unemployment | Not specified | |
| Life Expectancy | 77.6 years | Estimated for 2024 |
| Tobacco Use | 24% | Estimated for 2025 |
| Forest Coverage | 65% | Estimated for 2023 |
| Inflation Rate | 10.6% | For 2022 |
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