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New Zealand is an island country in the
south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses (commonly called the
North Island and the South Island), and numerous smaller islands, most notably
Stewart Island/Rakiura and the Chatham Islands. The indigenous Māori language
name for New Zealand is Aotearoa, commonly translated as The Land of the Long
White Cloud. The Realm of New Zealand also includes the Cook Islands and Niue
(self-governing but in free association); Tokelau; and the Ross Dependency (New
Zealand's territorial claim in Antarctica).
New Zealand is notable for its geographic isolation: it is situated about 2,000
km (1250 miles) southeast of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and its closest
neighbours to the north are New Caledonia, Fiji and Tonga. During its long
isolation New Zealand developed a distinctive fauna dominated by birds, a number
of which became extinct after the arrival of humans and the mammals they
introduced.
The majority of New Zealand's population is of European descent; the indigenous
Māori are the largest minority. Asians and non-Māori Polynesians are also
significant minority groups, especially in urban areas. The most commonly spoken
language is English.
New Zealand is a developed country that ranks highly in international
comparisons on human development, quality of life, life expectancy, literacy,
public education, peace, prosperity, economic freedom, ease of doing business,
lack of corruption, press freedom, and the protection of civil liberties and
political rights. Its cities also consistently rank among the world's most
liveable.
Elizabeth II, as the Queen of New Zealand, is the country's head of state and is
represented by a ceremonial Governor-General who holds reserve powers. The Queen
has no real political influence, and her position is essentially symbolic.
Political power is held by the democratically elected Parliament of New Zealand
under the leadership of the Prime Minister, who is the head of government.
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