New Zealand

New Zealand can be found in the very south of the Southern Hemisphere, southeast of Australia. The country consists of two large islands, which make up about 270 sq km. This isolated and beautiful location boasts spectacular landscape with glacial mountains, rivers, lakes, rainforests, geysers, deserted beaches and fjords. The capital of New Zealand is Wellington, which is in the geographical center of the country.

Like most English-speaking countries, New Zealand has a strong historical connection to Britain and is still a member of the Commonwealth. It became a British colony in 1840 when the Maori people occupying New Zealand agreed to share the country and to adopt the British monarchy as its head of state by signing the Treaty of Waitangi. In return, the Maori were promised protection and possession of their lands.
In the 1960s, war broke out between the British and the Maori when it became clear that the numbers of settlers were larger than the Maori ever imagined. Today, Maori and Paheka generally have a healthy relationship with strong respect for the Maori culture and its people. New Zealand became formally independent from Britain in 1947.

The flag of New Zealand is very similar to the Australian flag. It has a royal blue background, which is meant to remind people of the blue sea and the clear sky, and Britain’s Union Jack flag sits in the top-left corner. The Southern Cross is on the blue background with the stars red in colour.

New Zealand has a small population of only 3,8 million. Those of European descent make up the majority of the population – about 74 percent. The next largest group is Maori, then Polynesian and Asian. New Zealanders are famous for their friendly, easy-going nature.

Traditionally, the country’s economy relied on lamb, wool and diary products such as butter. Today, however, New Zealand’s interests have diversified and paper, wood, textile and machinery production are also important.
In the past few years, thanks to The Lord of the Rings trilogy filmed in New Zealand, the movie industry has boosted the economy, and tourism has increased, too.

New Zealanders attend primary school, intermediate and high school. Most students have to pass an exam in high school to be able to attend university, which the government partly pays for. If you come from a poor family or have Maori blood, the government will pay for more of your university costs.

New Zealanders love the outdoors and are high achievers in the sports world. Rugby is the country’s number one sport. The women’s national team won the last women’s World Cup competition. Netball and cricket are also very popular sports, as are hiking, swimming, skiing, rafting, fishing and bungee jumping.