New Zealand (in Maori, Aotearoa, "Land of the Long White Cloud"), independent island nation in the South Pacific Ocean, a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, situated about 1,600 km (1,000 mi) south-east of Australia. It comprises two large islands-the North and South islands-separated by the narrow Cook Strait and numerous smaller islands, including Stewart Island to the south of the South Island. The area of New Zealand is 270,534 sq km (104,454 sq mi). Overseas territories governed by New Zealand are the Ross Dependency, in Antarctica, and Tokelau in the Pacific Ocean, to the north of Samoa. The Cook Islands and Niue, also in the Pacific, are self-governing territories in free association with New Zealand. The capital of the nation is Wellington, the largest city Auckland; both are located on the North Island.

Population
        3,618,500
        (1996 census)
Population Density
        13 people/sq km
        (35 people/sq mi)
        (1996 census)
Urban/Rural Breakdown
        80%Urban
        20%Rural
Largest Cities
        Auckland991,796
        Wellington334,051
        Christchurch325,250
        (1996 census)
Ethnic Groups
        72%European 
        15%Maori
        7%Other
        6%Pacific Islanders
Languages
Official Languages
        English
        Maori
Other Languages
        Polynesian languages, other European languages
Religions
        29%Other
        26%No faith specified
        18%Anglicanism
        14% Roman Catholicism
        13%Presbyterianism
         includes Methodism Protestant denominations, Judaism,
         Hinduism, Confucianism, and Maori Christian churches