answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

A+ Students an independent nation

New Zealand is a westernised first-world country, located 1250 miles southeast of Australia, in the south-western Pacific Ocean. It is made up of two main islands and a number of smaller ones. The indigenous people of New Zealand settled around 1000 years ago; they are called the Maori, who named the islands Aotearoa. The country was founded by the Treaty of Waitangi between Maori and Pakeha (non-Maori, represented by the British Crown) which was signed on the 4th of February, 1840. The country has since become a major participant in trade, sport, military exploits and tourism.

The country has a population of just over 4 million people, many of whom live in one of the major cities; the greater Auckland area contains around a third of that 4 million, for example. The capital Wellington lies on a harbour on the North Island. Other major cities include Christchurch (the second-largest city and the largest in the South Island), Dunedin (settled by Scots - the name is the Gaelic equivalent of Edinburgh) and Hamilton . Other major urban centres are mainly in the North Island.

It ranks quite well in terms of political freedom (first equal in terms of nonexistence of corruption, and has a very open democracy with several parties gaining popularity and having influence), enjoyment of life (in the top 5 for happiness, job satisfaction), and personal health.

New Zealand is known for its carefree, relatively liberal and rural-based culture, a mostly untouched landscape and its very "clean green" image; these make it a popular tourist and filming-location destination. It is also known for the large amount of farming. Farming is a major industry in New Zealand, and agriculture accounts for two-thirds of its export market. As a nation, it is very devoted on matters of environmetal importance - for example, strong opposition to both whaling and nuclear weapons - and this is a reflection of the general populace. However, the people are not afraid to stand up for what is right, and at times have openly assisted other nations in warfare, notably the World Wars and some more recent conflicts; its SAS soldiers are reputed as some of the best elite troops in the world, despite their small numbers. It engages in peacekeeping efforts and aid missions to many underdeveloped nations around the world.

Many of its national sports teams are amongst the best in the world, with New Zealand punching far above its weight in Olympic medal tallies (it is in the top three for medals per capita in most Games, and in total). The All Blacks - national men's rugby union team - are the most widely known such team, with others such as the Silver Ferns (women's netball), the Black Sticks (Field Hockey for both sexes), the Tall Blacks (men's basketball) and the All Whites (men's soccer) all making many decent achievements in their fields. Many individual athletes have also had great success, with several dominating their sport for some time and winning multiple events and awards in the process.

User Avatar

Wiki User

7y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago

Above water, near Australia, close to Antarctica, water locked

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

what is the geoghraphical position of New Zealand in relation to the International dateline

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

11y ago

Australia

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: What is New Zealand's relative location?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp