Geography
- Location: In the South Pacific Ocean, southeast of Australia.
- Made up of two main islands: the North Island and the South Island, plus many smaller islands.
- Famous landscapes: mountains, volcanoes, beaches, fjords, and forests.
Government & Society
- Capital city: Wellington (though the largest city is Auckland).
- Government: Parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy (King Charles III is head of state).
- Population: about 5.3 million people (small compared to many countries).
- Languages: English, Te Reo Māori (Māori language, official), and New Zealand Sign Language.
Culture
- Indigenous people: the Māori, who arrived from Polynesia more than 700 years ago.
- The Māori culture is central to national identity: traditional dance (the haka), carvings, tattoos, legends.
- A diverse society today with influences from Europe, Asia, and the Pacific Islands.
Economy & Nature
- Economy: agriculture (sheep, dairy, wine), tourism, film industry.
- Famous for: The Lord of the Rings movies (filmed there), adventure tourism, and rugby.
- Nickname: "Kiwis" (after the native bird, not the fruit!).
Sports
- National sport: Rugby (the All Blacks are world famous).
- Also popular: cricket, sailing, hiking, and skiing.
Environment
- Known for breathtaking natural beauty and unique wildlife (like the kiwi bird).
- Strong emphasis on protecting the environment and sustainability.
A retenir :
The Treaty of Waitangi is New Zealand's founding document. It takes its name from the place in the Bay of Islands where it was first signed, on 6 February 1840. The Treaty is an agreement, in Mãori and English, that was made between the British Crown and about 540 Mãori rangatira (chiefs). This day -Waitangi Day- is now a public holiday in New Zealand.
A retenir :
New Zealand is a republic, with its own independent Head of State, but remains a member of the Commonwealth and recognises the king or queen of England as its monarch.
