NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand, what is it?

It’s a beautiful state in the southern hemisphere that in the past was a British colony. Right now it is not a colony but an independent state, and it’s a member of the Commonwealth like Australia.

It’s famous for sports, especially for rugby. Its famous team is the All Blacks, who perform a very peculiar dance before the match to worry the other team. Its name is Haka. There are a lot of Maori players in the team. Maoris are the original settlers of New Zealand.

SOME FACTS ABOUT NEW ZEALAND

AREA: 270534 square kilometres

POPULATION: 4 million (mostly of British origin: 12% Maoris)

MONEY: New Zealand dollar

CAPITAL: Wellington

MAIN CITIES: Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin,Hamilton

LANGUAGES: the official languages are English and Maori that is taught in New Zealand schools.

THE LAND: there are two main islands: North Island and South Island. Most of the country is mountainous, with many mountains over 3000 metres. There are beautiful beaches as well as a volcanic region with geysers and hot springs.

ECONOMY RESOURCES: wool, meat, dairy products, fruit.

GOVERNATION: Queen Elizabeth II is head of state, represented by a General Governor. New Zealand is a member of the Commonwealth.

FOOD: Hangi, Crayfish, Hokey Pokey Ice Cream, Kina, Kiwi Burger, Jaffas, Pavlova, L&P, Whitebait fritters, Manuka Honey, Kumara, Paua, Roast Lamb, Savoury Pies, Fish & Chips, Southland Cheese Rolls.

Saadia R.