It is notable for its geographic isolation, being separated from Australia to the northwest by the Tasman Sea, approximately one thousand and fifty miles across. Its closest neighbours to the north are New Caledonia, Fiji and Tonga.
The population is mostly of European descent.
Political power is held by the democratically elected Parliament under the leadership of the Prime Minister who is the Head of Government. Elizabeth II, is the Queen and the Head of State and is represented in her absence, by a non partisan Governor General. The Queen reigns but does not rule, so she has no real political influence. Political power is held by the democratically elected Parliament under the leadership of the Prime Minister who is the Head of Government.
The minority Labour Party government will remain in power, despite the expulsion from the party of one of its members of parliament. However, popular support is shifting towards the reinvigorated opposition National Party, whose leader, John Key, is confronting Labour on a range of social issues.
Mr Key is tackling the government on social policy issues traditionally seen as safe ground for Labour and is winning over some Labour supporters. However, it remains to be seen whether he can convert either broad statements into credible policies or apparent support into votes.
The first New Zealand settlers were Eastern Polynesians who came to New Zealand, probably in a series of migrations, sometime between around eight hundred and 1300 AD. Over the next few centuries these settlers developed into a distinct culture now known as Maori.
New Zealand became wealthy following World War II.
It enjoyed a high standard of living with stable commodity exports based not the least on a strong relationship with the United Kingdom. In 1973, the United Kingdom joined the European Community and began to adhere to its trade policy and at the same time other factors such as the oil crises undermined the viability of the New Zealand economy.
Popular sports include cricket, netball, basketball, lawn bowling, soccer, football, rugby league, golf, tennis, cycling, field hockey, skiing, snowboarding, softball and a variety of water sports, particularly surfing, sailing, white water kayaking, surf lifesaving skills and rowing. It is a sport nation.
