Country Information
| Sovereign State | Yes |
| Country Codes | NZ, NZL, 554 |
| Official Name | New Zealand |
| Continent | Oceania |
| Capital | Wellington |
| Government Type | Parliamentary Representative Democratic Monarchy |
| Currency | New Zealand Dollar (NZD) |
| Calling Code | +64 |
| Member Of | United Nations, Commonwealth of Nations, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Five Eyes, ANZUS |
| Population | Approximately 4.9 million |
| Total Area | 268,021 km² |
| Highest Point | Aoraki/Mount Cook (3,724 meters, 12,218 feet) |
| Lowest Point | Pacific Ocean (0 meters, 0 feet) |
| GDP Per Capita | USD 41,945 |
| Life Expectancy | 82 years |
| Internet TLD | .nz |
New Zealand National Anthem
God Defend New Zealand
God of Nations at Thy feet,
In the bonds of love we meet,
Hear our voices, we entreat,
God defend our free land.
Guard Pacific’s triple star,
From the shafts of strife and war,
Make her praises heard afar,
God defend New Zealand.
Flags of Neighboring Countries
History of the New Zealand Flag
The national flag of New Zealand, adopted on June 12, 1902, is a significant emblem of the nation’s identity and heritage. The flag features a dark blue field with the Union Jack in the canton, and four red stars with white borders to the right. These stars represent the Southern Cross constellation, an important navigational feature in the southern hemisphere.
The flag’s design reflects New Zealand’s colonial history and its ties to the British Empire. The Union Jack symbolizes the country’s historical ties with the United Kingdom. The Southern Cross, prominently featured on the flag, highlights New Zealand’s geographical location in the South Pacific and is a common symbol in the region, representing the southern skies.
Throughout history, there have been discussions and referendums about changing the flag, particularly to incorporate elements that better represent New Zealand’s indigenous Māori culture and its unique South Pacific identity. However, as of my last update, the traditional design remains the official flag.
The New Zealand flag is a source of pride for many New Zealanders, known as Kiwis. It is used in a variety of settings, from governmental buildings to international sporting events, symbolizing national unity and pride. Despite the debates over its design, the flag continues to represent New Zealand’s history, its connection to the Commonwealth, and its place in the wider world.