New Zealand is located in the south western Pacific Ocean and consists of two large islands and several small islands. It lies approximately 2000 km west of Australia. New Zealand was first settled between 800 and 1300 AD by Eastern Polynesian. After several hundred years these first settlers developed into a distinct culture, called Maori.

The first European to reach New Zealand was the Dutch explorer Abel Janszoon Tasman, who arrived in 1642. It was later, in 1769, rediscovered by the British explorer James Cook. From then on New Zealand was visited by whaling and trading ships and somewhat later by Christian missionaries. In 1840, New Zealand became part of the British Empire. However, from the late 19th century, it was practical self-governed although it first achieved official independent in 1947. New Zealand supplied troops to the British Army in all major conflicts in the 20th century. New Zealand is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations.

Inhabitants: 4,200,000
Area: 270,000 km2
Capital: Wellington (450,000 inhabitants, largest city is Auckland with 1,300,000 inhabitants)
Languages: English, Maori
Religion: Protestants (46%), Non-religions (30%), Catholics (14%), Buddhists (1%), others (9%)
GBD per capita: $26,500
Government: Parliamentary democracy(constitutional monarchy)
Climate: Varies from warm subtropical in the north to cool temperate climates in the south, with severe alpine conditions in the mountainous areas.