<p><img src="images/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.jpg" alt="" width="130" height="65" /></p>
<p>New Zealand is located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. The island country is made up of two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands.  New Zealand has a total land mass of 268,021 square kilometers, with a population of 4,570,038 people. The official currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZD). The official languages are English, Maori, and New Zealand sign language. New Zealand’s latitude and latitude is 41 degrees 00’S / 174 degrees 00’E.</p>
<p>The largest ethnic group in New Zealand is Europeans 74%, Maori 14.9%, Asians 11.8%, and Pacific Islanders 7.4%. Maori are the indigenous people of New Zealand.</p>
<p><strong><em>HISTORY</em></strong></p>
<p>First settlers to the island were Polynesians between 1250 to 1300 CE. Due to its remoteness, New Zealand was one of the last places on earth to be inhabited. The first European who discovered the island was Abel Tasman in the 17<sup>th</sup> century. New Zealand gained independence from Great Britain in 1947.</p>
<p>                                                                                              <img src="images/maori-history.jpg" alt="" width="243" height="270" /></p>
<p><strong><em>CULTURE</em></strong></p>
<p>Maori adapted the Polynesian culture from earlier times, as a result developed its own cultural practices. New Zealand cultures have been heavily influenced by other dominant cultures: American, Australian, Asian, and other European cultures.</p>
<p>Art is part of the New Zealand culture, heavily evident in its traditional crafts of carving &amp; weaving. Maori cloaks, earrings &amp; necklaces, and the hei-tiki are all part of traditional clothing.</p>
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<p><strong><em>ENVIRONMENT</em></strong></p>
<p>The North Island and the South Island the larger of the two are the two main islands of New Zealand. They are separated by the Cook Strait which 22 kilometers wide from its narrowest point. Other smaller islands are: Stewart Island, the Chatham Islands, Great Barrier Island, d’Urville Island, and Waiheke Island.</p>
<p>There is a unique species of animals, fungi, and plants found in New Zealand. 82% of indigenous vascular plants are endemic to New Zealand. There are about 2300 species of fungi in New Zealand, 40 of which are endemic. Indigenous animals of New Zealand include: kiwi, kakapo, tuataras, frogs, spiders, etc.</p>
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<p><strong><em>CLIMATE</em></strong></p>
<p>New Zealand experiences mild and temperate maritime climate.</p>
<p>           <img src="images/early-snow-mt-hutt.jpg" alt="" width="441" height="239" /> <img src="images/RipponVineyard.jpg" alt="" width="397" height="240" /></p>
<p><strong><em>ECONOMY</em></strong></p>
<p>Main industries contributing to the economy include: whaling, flax, gold, kauri gum, and native timber. Agricultural products are the main export produce for New Zealand.  Main market exporters are: Australia, United States, Japan, China, and the United Kingdom. The service sector is the second main sector, then manufacturing &amp; construction, farming, and raw material extracts.</p>
<p>Tourism is an important sector to the economy contributing both income, and creating jobs.</p>
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<p><strong><em>EDUCATION</em></strong></p>
<p>Education is compulsory for children from aged 6 to 16. The country has a literacy rate of 99%.</p>
<p><strong><em>RELIGION</em></strong></p>
<p>Christianity is the main religion in New Zealand, affiliating 47.9% of the population. 38.55% of the people are atheists, and 7% percent practice other religion.</p>
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<p><strong><em>SPORTS</em></strong></p>
<p>Rugby Union is the national sport of New Zealand. Other popular sports include netball, cricket, football, golf, and tennis.                    </p>
<p>            <img src="images/sportsnewzealnd.jpg" alt="" width="376" height="238" />      <img src="images/newzealandsportss.jpg" alt="" width="236" height="236" /></p>