New zealand

New Zealand is situated in the middle latitudes of the Southern Hemisphere. It is the most physically isolated of the advanced industrialized countries. Its nearest neighbor, Australia is some 1900 km to the northeast. New Zealand is bordered by the Tasman Sea on the west and the South Pacific Ocean on the east; it consists of two principal islands and the South Island separated by Cook Strait and many small islands. Its territory is 269,057 square kilometers.

The Maoris, a Polynesian people reached the islands in about Anno Domini 900.

The Dutch were the first Europeans to arrive in 1642, but the area remained relatively unknown until the arrival of Captain James Cook in 1769. New Zealand became a self-governing dominion within the British Empire in 1907 and an independent member of the Commonwealth in 1947.

Land New Zealand is generally mountainous with only about 30% of land classified as flat or rolling. The North Island was formed by internal volcanic activity and is a region of violent earthquakes. On this island there are many volcanoes, hot springs and geizers.

Climate The islands extend approximately 1,61 km from north to south and this distance contributes to variations in weather. However the climate throughout the country is mild and comfortable and there is evergreen vegetation. January and February are the warmest months and July is the coldest.

Plant and Animal Life New Zealand's isolation had a profound effect on its plant and animal life. Some 84% of the country's native plants are found nowhere else. They include two of world's oldest plant forms the puka and the kauri tree before the arrival of the Maoris there were birds, lizards, frogs and bats on the island. The Maoris brought dogs and rats and Europeans brought deer, rabbits, and other small animals.

Resources New Zealand is rich in coal and offshore natural gas reserves. In 1988 petroleum was discovered in the Western part of the North Island. Other resources include geothermal energy, iron sands and limestone.

People The population of New Zealand is about 4mln people, European settlers make up about 86% of the total population, Mario constitute about 9% an other Pacific islanders 3%. The official language is English. The Maori language is widely used by Maoris and is and important factor in the Maori cultural renaissance.

Demography About 44% of the population live on the North Island which is often described as a town and only 25% live on the South Island which is considered the country. The larges city is Aukland. Other large cities are Wellington (the capital), Christchurh and Dunedin. The cities are not overmowded and the overall density of population remains low (13 sq.km.).

Economic Activity New Zealand's is an advanced industrial state with an economy dependent on trade.

Agriculture The leading branch of economy is farming. It represents a highly developed industry using the latest achievements of science and engineering. The Government is funding research to make farming more efficient and adaptable to world market trends. New Zealand is the world's third largest producer and the second largest exporter of wool. The country is the world's largest exporter of meat and dairy products. It also exports fresh fruit and fish.

Industry At present industry begins to play a more important role than before. The chief industries are food processing, textile and electronic. The mining industry is relatively small. Construction materials, limestone and coal are mined. Coal is exported to Japan and Korea. New technologies are being used to convert volcanic black sands to iron and other minerals .Automobiles and other manufactured goods and petroleum are the leading imports. Japan, Australia and the USA buy about 40% of New Zealand's exports and provide a substantial of its imports.

Governments New Zealand is a parliamentary democracy. The highest legislative body is the House of Representatives, a unicameral body consisting of 95 members elected by universal suffrage for 3 years. The two major political parties are the Labor Party (Founded in 1916) and the National Party (founded in 1931).