|RNature and climate:|N Two separate archipelagoes, the northern with seven sparsely inhabited atolls, and the southern where the two biggest islands have vulcanic origin. Highest peak is on Rarotonga Island 652 m.a.s.l.
Rich flora. Vast swamps.
Very wet climate.
|RPeople:|N Polynesian.
|REconomy:|N Main industries are fruit plantations and production of copra, mainly for export to New Zealand.
|RHistory:|N The islands were probably discovered around 1600 by Portuguese explorers, but was rediscovered and surveyed by James Cook 1773. Governed by British missionaries during the 19th century they were annexed by Great Britain in 1888 and transferred to New Zealand in 1901.
In 1965 Cook Islands received independence in an open union with New Zealand and within the Commonwealth of Nations.
