Exporting

All the tools and resources you need to export your goods across the world

Named after Captain COOK, who sighted them in 1770, the islands became a British protectorate in 1888. By 1900, administrative control was transferred to New Zealand; in 1965, residents chose self-government in free association with New Zealand. The emigration of skilled workers to New Zealand, government deficits, and limited natural resources are of continuing concern.

Location

Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand

Natural Resources

coconuts (copra)

Population - distribution

English (official) 86.4%, Cook Islands Maori (Rarotongan) (official) 76.2%, other 8.3%
Conventional long form
none
Conventional short form
Cook Islands
Local long form
Local short form
self-governing parliamentary democracy (Parliament of the Cook Islands) in free association with New Zealand
Name
Avarua
Geographic coordinates
21 12 S, 159 46 W
Time difference
UTC-10 (5 hours behind Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration (New Zealand normally retains responsibility for external affairs); accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Like many other South Pacific island nations, the Cook Islands' economic development is hindered by the isolation of the country from foreign markets, the limited size of domestic markets, lack of natural resources, periodic devastation from natural disasters, and inadequate infrastructure. Agriculture, employing more than one-quarter of the working population, provides the economic base with major exports of copra and citrus fruit. Black pearls are the Cook Islands' leading export. Manufacturing activities are limited to fruit processing, clothing, and handicrafts. Trade deficits are offset by remittances from emigrants and by foreign aid overwhelmingly from New Zealand. In the 1980s and 1990s, the country became overextended, maintaining a bloated public service and accumulating a large foreign debt. Subsequent reforms, including the sale of state assets, the strengthening of economic management, the encouragement of tourism, and a debt restructuring agreement, have rekindled investment and growth.
Inflation
None%
Total tax rate (% of commercial profits)
None%
Real Interest Rate
None%
Manufacturing, value added (% of GDP)
None%
Current Account Balance
US$
Labor Force, Total
Employment in Agriculture
%
Employment in Industry
%
Employment in Services
%
Unemployment Rate
%
Imports of goods and services
US$
Exports of goods and services
US$
Total Merchandise Trade
%
FDI, net inflows
US$
Commercial Service Exports
US$
copra, citrus, pineapples, tomatoes, beans, pawpaws, bananas, yams, taro, coffee; pigs, poultry
fruit processing, tourism, fishing, clothing, handicrafts
Commodities
copra, papayas, fresh and canned citrus fruit, coffee; fish; pearls and pearl shells; clothing
Partners
Commodities
foodstuffs, textiles, fuels, timber, capital goods
Partners
Country Risk Rating
Business Climate Rating

Our site saves small pieces of text information (cookies) on your device in order to deliver better content and for statistical purposes. By browsing our website you grant us permission to store that information on your device. For more information check our Terms and Conditions.