Geography of Cook Islands – The Ultimate Free Guide 2021
Learn facts and Geography of Cook Islands including Major Geographical Features, Natural resources, Region, area, Capital, Border countries, rivers in Cook Islands.
- The Cook Islands is a self-governing island country in the South Pacific Ocean in free association with New Zealand. It comprises 15 islands whose total land area is 240 square kilometres.
- New Zealand is responsible for the Cook Islands’ defense and foreign affairs, but these responsibilities are exercised in consultation with the Cook Islands.
- The Cook Islands have adopted an increasingly independent foreign policy.
- Cook Islanders are citizens of New Zealand, but they also have the status of Cook Islands nationals, which is not given to other New Zealand citizens.
- The Cook Islands have been an active member of the Pacific Community since 1980.
- The Cook Islands can be divided into two groups: The Southern Cook Islands and the Northern Cook Islands.
Geography of Cook Islands
Group:
Northern
Area:
236 km2
Capital:
Avarua
Population:
17,459
Geographical Coordinates:
21°12′S 159°46′W
World Region or Continent:
Oceania
General Terrain:
Low coral atolls in north; volcanic, hilly islands in south.
Geographical Low Point:
Pacific Ocean 0 m
Geographical High Point:
Te Manga 652 m (2,139 ft)
Climate:
Tropical; moderated by trade winds; a dry season from April to November and a more humid season from December to March
Major cities:
- Avarua
- Amuri
- Omoka
- Mangarei
- Motu Koe
- Roto
- Moto Kavata
- Tauhunu
Natural hazards:
Typhoons (November to March)
Major Rivers and Lakes:
Major Rivers:
- Avatiu Stream
- Vaikapuangi Stream
- Takuvaine Stream
- Pue Stream
- Tupapa Stream
- Matavera Stream
- Turangi Stream
- Avana Stream
- Paringaru Stream
- Akapuao Stream
- Turoa Stream
- Totokoiru Stream
- Taipara Stream
- Papua Stream
- Ngatoa Stream
- Rutaki Stream
- Muriavai Stream
Major Lakes:
- Rotonui and
- Rotoiti
Natural Resources:
Coconuts
Major Geographical Features:
Topography:
Island is covered by thick evergreen bush. Most of the larger islands include lagoons surrounded by small areas of fertile land, above which rise volcanic hills. The best beaches in the Cook Islands are found on Aitutaki, which is part of the eight-island Southern Group.
Oceans:
South Pacific Ocean
Islands:
- Aitutaki
- Atiu
- Mangaia
- Manuae
- Mauke
- Mitiaro
- Palmerston Island
- Rarotonga (capital)
- Takutea
- Manihiki
- Nassau
- Penrhyn atoll
- Pukapuka
- Rakahanga
- Suwarrow
Mountain Ranges:
- Te Manga (652m)
- Te Atu Kura (638m)
- Te Kou (588m)
- Maungatea (523m)
- Maunga Roa (509m)
- Ikurangi (485m)
- Te Vaakauta (450m)
- Te Rua Manga (413m)
- Raemaru (357m)
- Toroume (329m)
- Oroenga (292m)
See Also:
