Country Information
| Sovereign State | No (Self-governing in free association with New Zealand) |
| Country Codes | CK, COK, 184 |
| Official Name | Cook Islands |
| Continent | Oceania |
| Capital | Avarua |
| Government Type | Parliamentary representative democratic |
| Currency | New Zealand Dollar (NZD), Cook Islands Dollar (pegged to NZD) |
| Calling Code | +682 |
| Member Of | Participates in international affairs mainly through New Zealand |
| Population | Approx. 17,000 (as of 2023) |
| Total Area | 236 square kilometers |
| Highest Point | Te Manga (652 meters or 2,139 feet) |
| Lowest Point | Pacific Ocean (0 meters or 0 feet) |
| GDP Per Capita | Approx. $12,300 (as of 2023) |
| Life Expectancy | Approx. 75 years (as of 2023) |
| Internet TLD | .ck |
Cook Islands National Anthem
Te Atua Mou E (To God Almighty)
To God Almighty
Father of all
Over all, the most High
Look down, hear our prayers
Let your spirit
Live in us forever
To live wisely
To take care of our heritage
And let our love
For you never end
Let us all say
Amen
Flags of Neighboring Countries
History of the Cook Islands Flag
The flag of the Cook Islands was officially adopted on August 4, 1979. The flag’s design reflects the cultural heritage and political relationship of the Cook Islands with New Zealand.
The flag features a blue field with the Union Jack in the canton and 15 white stars in a circle in the fly part. The stars represent the 15 islands that make up the Cook Islands. The Union Jack signifies the Cook Islands’ historical ties with New Zealand and the United Kingdom. The blue background symbolizes the vast Pacific Ocean that surrounds the islands.
The design of the flag was selected to embody the identity of the Cook Islands as a self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand. It represents the Cook Islands’ sovereignty and its distinct culture within the Polynesian region.
Since its adoption, the flag has become a symbol of national pride and unity for the people of the Cook Islands. It is flown on government buildings, used in official capacities, and displayed at international events. The flag reflects the Cook Islands’ pride in their Polynesian heritage and their status as a unique and independent nation within the Pacific community. The design and symbolism of the flag have remained consistent, representing the stability and continuity of the Cook Islands.