NEW+ZEALAND

//__CULTURE__// The main capital in New Zealand is Wellington, situated in the North Island. It’s about 4, 3 million people who live in New Zealand. 78 % of these identify themselves as European ethnic. With a percentage of 14, 6 are non-European ethnic groups. Both the Maori culture and the British culture are affecting New Zealand. Maori are the indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand. They represent approximately 633,000 of the population. Minister John Key. The New Zealand monarchy is ruled by Queen Elizabeth 2, together with the Great Britain. 26th of September is the national day. Christianity is the predominant religion in New Zealand (55, 6%). 34, 7% says they have no religion, and about 5 % have other religions. Rugby is the most popular sport in New Zealand, together with cricket.

__//GEOGRAPHY//__ New Zealand is an Island Country in the south western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands, with a total area of 268 000 sq km. The two main landmasses are commonly called the North Island and the South Island. The capital city is Wellington and lies on the northern part. About 80% of the population lives in cities. The New Zealand currency is the New Zealand dollar. The common language is English and maori. New Zealand’s highest peak is Mount Cook (3754 m). The southern island is well known for its spectacular landscapes incorporating the vast mountain chain of the Southern Alps. The northern island has a volcano region. Other spectacular landscapes are the fiords, glaciers, lakes, rainforests and extensive grassy plains. The length of the coastline of New Zealand is 15,134 km. New Zealand experiences summer from December to February and winter from June to August. The North Island has mild winters and warm and humid summers, the South Island has lower temperatures with cold winters and extensive snowfields and glaciers. Natural resources are natural gas, iron ore, sand, coal, timber, hydropower, gold and limestone.

__//HISTORY//__ The native population in New Zealand, the ** indigenous people **, a tribe known as Maori, were the first people who arrived on the island, today known as New Zealand. New Zealand was not discovered by the civilised world before the British explorer James Cook and his crew discovered the island in 1769. They were met by a beautiful, unspoiled nature and a group of uncivilised human beings. In 1839 the New Zealand Company announced its plans to establish colonies in New Zealand. The Treaty of Waitangi was signed between the British Crown and various Māori chiefs, bringing New Zealand into the British Empire and giving Māori equal rights with British citizens. The treaty of Waitangi made it possible for the native people, in New Zealand, the Maori, to be owners of their own land and territory. They had some connection with the civilized world. Being administered, through 1840 when the treaty was signed, New Zealand became a colony in its own right. It was divided into provinces that were reorganized in 1846 and in 1853, when they acquired their own legislatures. The country rapidly gained some measure of self-government through the New Zealand Constitution Act 1852, which established a government in the country. After time people from different countries immigrated the land. The Maori became a minor influence in the community that began to grow in the late 19'th centuary. The Mauri plays an important part in the culture and history of New Zealand.