Cook Islands

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Country overview: 

On 1901-06-11, the Cook Islands changed from a British protectorate to an integral part of New Zealand. On 1965-08-04, they became autonomous, but New Zealand retains some responsibility for their governance.

Other names of country: 

1. Dutch: Cookeilanden
2. French: Îles fp Cook
3. German: Cookinseln f
4. Icelandic: Cookeyjar
5. Italian: Isole fp Cook
6. Norwegian: Cookøyene (Bokmål), Cookøyane (Nynorsk), Cooks øyer
7. Portuguese: Ilhas Cook
8. Spanish: Islas fp Cook
9. Turkish: Cook adaları

Origin of name: 

Discovered by Capt. James Cook (1728-1779) in 1773

Primary subdivisions: 

Cook Islands has no known administrative divisions.

Territorial extent: 

Cook Islands includes the Pacific islands in the rectangle defined by roughly 7° to 23° latitude south, and 156° to 167° longitude west. These islands can be divided into a northern group and a southern group. The northern group includes Manihiki, Nassau, Penrhyn, Pukapuka, Rakahanga, and Suwarrow Islands. The southern group includes Aitutaki, Atiu, Mangaia, Manuae, Mauke, Mitiaro, and Rarotonga Islands. Palmerston Atoll, which is relatively isolated, has sometimes been classed with either group. Avarua, the capital, is located on Rarotonga Island.

Population history:

The Cook Islands Statistics Office  has provided a table of historical census data, by island. There is no indication that the islands should be considered as administrative divisions.