New Zealand is one of the youngest countries, comprised of two large islands and several smaller islands. It is located in the Pacific Ocean. The M?ori, a Polynesian people, were the original settlers of New Zealand. They called the North Island Te Ika A Maui and the South Island Te Wai Pounamu. It got the name of Nova Zealandia from a Dutch explorer, and eventually was changed to New Zealand by a British explorer.
When Europeans and Dutch explorers reached New Zealand, there was a lot of fighting with the Maori, but also a lot of trading of goods. The British became aware of the lawlessness in New Zealand and the interest of the French in the area, so in 1840 they sent William Hobson to claim the territory and negotiate a treaty with the M?ori. More British people coming to New Zealand caused a problem with land belonging to the M?ori, and eventually the M?ori lost much of the land that the British treaty promised. The interpretation of the land treaty is still controversial. New Zealand is what is called a parliamentary democracy with only one chamber: the House of Representatives. Queen Elizabeth II is represented by the Governor-General appointed by the Prime Minister.
Agriculture exports are the main industry consisting of dairy, meat, wool, fruit, fish and wine. Another significant economic factor is tourism, contributing about 9% of the GDP. Because of it’s beautiful landscapes of flat lands as well as a great mountain ranges, there have been many movies made in this country. The most popular being The Lord of The Rings Trilogy.
New Zealand now has two official languages: English and Maori. There are several animals and plants found only in New Zealand. One is a National Icon: the flightless kiwi bird.
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