Cook Islands

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Cook Islands Group of 15 islands in the s Pacific Ocean, ne of New Zealand, consisting of the Northern (Manihiki) Cook Islands and the Southern (Lower) Cook Islands; a self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand. Discovered (1773) by Captain James Cook, the islands became a British protectorate in 1888 and were annexed to New Zealand in 1901. They became self-governing in 1965. Products: copra, citrus fruits. Area: 293sq km (113sq mi). Pop. (2001) 18,027.

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