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Outline of New Zealand facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Blue field with the Union Flag in the top right corner, and four red stars with white borders to the right
The Flag of New Zealand
A quartered shield, flanked by two figures, topped with a crown
The Arms of Her Majesty in Right of New Zealand
New Zealand (orthographic projection) 2
The location of New Zealand on a globe

The following outline is provided as an overview of and topical guide to New Zealand:

New Zealand is an island nation located in the western South Pacific Ocean comprising two large islands, the North Island and the South Island, and numerous smaller islands, most notably Stewart Island / Rakiura and the Chatham Islands. The indigenous Māori originally called the North Island Aotearoa, commonly translated into English as "The Land of the Long White Cloud"; "Aotearoa" is now used as the Māori language name for the entire country.

New Zealand is situated about 2,000 km (1,200 mi) southeast of Australia across the Tasman Sea, its closest neighbours to the north being New Caledonia, Fiji and Tonga. Because of its remoteness, it was one of the last lands to be settled by humans. During its long period of isolation, New Zealand developed a distinct biodiversity of animal, fungal and plant life. The country's varied topography and its sharp mountain peaks, such as the Southern Alps, owe much to the tectonic uplift of land and volcanic eruptions. New Zealand's capital city is Wellington, while its most populous city is Auckland.

The population is mostly of European descent, with the indigenous Māori being the largest minority. Asians and non-Māori Pacific Islanders are also significant minorities, especially in the cities. Elizabeth II, as the Queen of New Zealand, is the head of state and, in her absence, is represented by a non-partisan governor-general. Political power is held by the democratically elected New Zealand Parliament under the leadership of the Prime Minister, who is the head of government. The Realm of New Zealand also includes the Cook Islands and Niue, which are self-governing but in free association; Tokelau; and the Ross Dependency (New Zealand's territorial claim in Antarctica).

Geography of New Zealand

New Zealand towns and cities
An enlargeable topographic map of New Zealand
Main page: Geography of New Zealand

Environment of New Zealand

New Zealand 23 October 2002
Satellite image of New Zealand
Main page: Environment of New Zealand

Natural geographic features of New Zealand

Regions of New Zealand

Ecoregions of New Zealand

Main pages: List of ecoregions of New Zealand and Ecoregions in New Zealand

Administrative divisions of New Zealand

Main page: Administrative divisions of New Zealand
Provinces of New Zealand
Main page: Provinces of New Zealand
Territorial authorities of New Zealand
Main page: Territorial authorities of New Zealand
Municipalities of New Zealand

Demography of New Zealand

Main page: Demographics of New Zealand

History of New Zealand

Main pages: History of New Zealand, Timeline of the history of New Zealand, and Current events of New Zealand

Culture of New Zealand

Main page: Culture of New Zealand

Art in New Zealand

  • Art of New Zealand
  • Cinema of New Zealand
  • Literature of New Zealand
  • Music of New Zealand
  • Television in New Zealand
  • Theatre in New Zealand

Sports in New Zealand

Main page: Sports in New Zealand
  • Rugby union in New Zealand
  • Rugby league in New Zealand
  • Football in New Zealand
  • New Zealand at the Olympics
  • Stadiums in New Zealand
  • Horse Tracks in New Zealand

Education in New Zealand

Economy and infrastructure of New Zealand

Economy of New Zealand

  • Agriculture in New Zealand
  • Banks in New Zealand
    • Reserve Bank of New Zealand
  • Communications in New Zealand
    • Internet in New Zealand
    • Telecommunications in New Zealand
  • Companies of New Zealand
  • Currency of New Zealand: Dollar
  • Energy in New Zealand
    • New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme
    • Oil and gas industry in New Zealand
  • Health care in New Zealand
  • Mining in New Zealand
  • New Zealand Stock Exchange
  • Tourism in New Zealand
  • Transport in New Zealand
  • Water supply and sanitation in New Zealand

Images for kids

  • NZ topographic map with population centres

    An enlargeable topographic map of New Zealand

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Outline of New Zealand Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.