Demographics

The population of Cook Islands dropped between 1996 and 2001 due to outmigration, but increased again in 2007, with an estimated population of 21 100 people. Around 34% are below 15 years of age and about 5% are 64 years and above.

In 2005, overall life expectancy at birth was estimated at 69 years: 65 years for men and 73 years for women. The crude birth rate was 23.0 per 1000 population, and the crude death rate 6.6 per 1000 resident population in 2007.

Political situation

Cook Islands has a unicameral, democratic parliament with 25 elected members who serve parliamentary terms of five years. However, there have been four government changes since 1999. In the September 2004 elections, Jim Marurai was elected Prime Minister. The Government has given priority to education, health, human resources and outer island development.

Socioeconomic situation

The country went through some economic difficulties during the period from 1996 to 1997. Since then, there have been public sector reforms, the sale of state assets and the stimulation of the private sector, all of which have led to the growth and strengthening of financial and economic management. The four leading generators of income are tourism, fishing, agriculture and financial services. Tourism is the main industry and accounts for around 54% of gross domestic product (GDP).

GDP was estimated at almost 280 million New Zealand dollars (approximately US$ 182 million) and 13 158 New Zealand dollars (approximately US$ 9299) per capita in 2006. The country’s focus on development has been affected by various challenges, such as the emigration of skilled workers to New Zealand, an unstable political situation and the insufficient and inequitable distribution of resources. Of central importance is the delivery of health services to all the islands.

In 2006, about 95% of the population had access to a clean, safe water supply and 100% had adequate sewage sanitation disposal facilities.

Vulnerabilities and hazards

No available information.

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