New Zealand Key Facts
New Zealand is a beautiful country, known for its clean green image and stunning natural scenery.
Population: 4,791,258*
Capital City: Wellington
Largest City: Auckland
Government: Constitutional Monarchy with a Parliamentary Democracy
Primary Language: English
Other Official Languages: Maori, New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL)
Currency: New Zealand Dollar ($)
Prime Minister: Bill English
Government: National Party
National Rugby Team (Union): All Blacks
National Anthem: God Defend New Zealand
New Zealand is made up of three main islands as well as many other smaller islands. The two main islands of New Zealand are, as their names suggest, the North and South Islands. Stewart Island is the third, much smaller island, located at the far bottom of the South Island.
The South Island is larger than the North, however it is less densely populated. Here you will find vast alpine ranges, wide flat plains and cascading glaciers! Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island.
New Zealand Disasters
There have been many disasters recorded in and around New Zealand. More recently, Christchurch has suffered more than a year of earthquakes, taking more than 180 lives and costing billions of dollars in damage.
Christchurch Earthquake 2010: 4th September 2010 7.1 Magnitude Earthquake (more)
Christchurch Earthquake 2011: 22nd February 2011 6.3 Magnitude Earthquake (more)
Christchurch Earthquake 2011: 13th June 2011 6.3 Magnitude Earthquake (more)
*Statistics New Zealand as of 9th June 2017.
Did you Know?
The first organised commercial bungee jumping first began in New Zealand and was created by AJ Hackett.
