19th and 20th Century History
As more and more merchants and whalers arrived in the late 1800's, missionary influence declined. The Cook Islands soon became a place of interest to numerous European powers. Eventually the islands became protectorates of Great Britain and British law replaced missionary law. Other religious groups arrived in the islands.The British governed the Cook Islands from New Zealand and in 1901, the islands were annexed by New Zealand. The New Zealand administrators removed all remaining power from the ariki.
On August 3, 1965 the Cook Islands attained independence in the form of internal self-government in free association with New Zealand. New Zealand retains some responsibility for external affairs, in consultation with the Cook Islands. The Cook Island are a member of the British Commonwealth thus the official head of state is Queen Elizabeth II. The islands elect their own Prime Minister.
People of the Cook Islands
Ethnic groups:Cook Island Maori (Polynesian) 87.7%, part Cook Island Maori 5.8%, other 6.5% (2001 census)
Religions:
Cook Islands Christian Church 55.9%, Roman Catholic 16.8%, Seventh-Day Adventists 7.9%, Church of Latter Day Saints 3.8%, other Protestant 5.8%, other 4.2%, unspecified 2.6%, none 3% (2001 census)
Languages:
English (official), Maori
Culture:
As like many of the Pacific Islands, the 20th century saw a cultural renaissance where islanders now live in the modern world but retain much pride in their native culture.
Family relationships are emphasized and the elderly are honored members of society. Women now hold many of the roles formerly reserved for men. Christianity remains particularly strong, although much respect is given to the ancient ways.
Traditional dance and music retain an important part in the lives of Cook Islanders as do the traditional arts and handicrafts. Residents often speak their native dialect to each other. Pigeon English is also spoken. Most islanders, however, speak fluent English, the official language of the Cook Islands. Cook Islands are considered some of the friendliest in the Pacific.
Economy
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 provides the economic base with major exports made up of copra, citrus fruit, paw paw and taro. Manufacturing activities are limited to fruit processing, clothing, and handicrafts. Trade deficits remain a problem and are offset by remittances from emigrants and by foreign aid, primarily from New Zealand.
Today tourism has become the main source of foreign income for the Cook Islands, with about 80,000 visitors per year, followed by pearl farming and offshore banking.
Air New Zealand has direct services to Rarotonga from Auckland, Nadi, Papeete, and Los Angeles. Pacific Blue has twice weekly flights from Australia and New Zealand. Rarotonga and Aitutaki are regular stops for cruises operating from Tahiti.
Credits
CIA World Factbook
Cook Island Companion by Elliot Smith
Cook Islands Tourism Corporation
The Pacific Islands - An Encyclopedia Edited by Brij V. Lal and Kate Fortune
