New zealand

New Zealand consists of two large islands – North and South Island – in the Pacific Ocean. Its area is about 270 thousand sq. km. Each of two main islands is mainly hilly and mountainous. The highest peak is Mount Cook. The coast consists of fertile plains, especially the large Canterbury Plains on South Island. South Island has glaciers and 15 peaks over 3,000 m. In the centre of North Island is a volcanic plateau. The climate is quite pleasant. There is lots of sun and it often rains there. Summers are not too hot and the winters are mild.
New Zealand was discovered by the Dutch in 17th century. It was explored by James Cook in 1770 and then colonized by the British. In the 19th century there were wars between the British and the Maori. New Zealand acquired the independence in 1947.
New Zealand has a parliamentary system where the head of state is Queen Elizabeth II represented by the Governor – General. The head of government is the Prime Minister. Elections take place every three years. The country is divided into counties. New Zealand is member of UN, OECD and the Commonwealth. The flag consists of the British Union Jack in the left upper corner and four red stars in the Southern Cross constellation.
The population is about 4 million. 85 percent of people are of European origin and about 9 percent are Polynesian. Officially English is spoken here but some people still speak Maori. New Zealanders are known for being friendly and easygoing.
The capital is Wellington that lies on the South Island. It’s not only political but also cultural center of New Zealand. Other big cities are Christchurch and Auckland. Christchurch is also called “Gate to the Antarctica”. You can visit the International Antarctic center and learn more about this continent – you’ll find here arctic animals, you’ll visit model of antarctic base and you’ll experience virtual flight over the glaciers.
As for national economy the main industries are food processing, machinery and forest industry.
New Zealand is rich in oil, gas, iron ore and coal. Only 2% of land is arable and the main crop is grain. The main trading partners of New Zealand are the USA, Australia, Japan and Great Britain.
Since 1960, February 6th is celebrated by New Zealanders as Waitangi Day. It is an occasion for thanksgiving, and for remembering the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. Some recognize Anzac Day, a public holiday held on 25th April each year. This is a holiday to honour those New Zealanders who were killed in the two world wars.
New Zealand was cut off from the rest of land on Earth for 80 million years and that’s why it’s got different nature. The tuara is reptile that has survived from the era of dinosaurs. The weta is the largest and heaviest insect in the world and the kiwi is a large bird which can’t fly. It’s also symbol of New Zealand.