nz Country Info
In 1350 the Maori people settled in New Zealand. In 1642 Dutch sailors landed, with the British Captain Cook also landing five times between 1769 and 1777. Since then, the British forced the Maori chiefs to sign the Treaty of Waitangi, resulting in New Zealand becoming a British colony. In 1907, the British agreed to the country's independence, and New Zealand became a dominion of the British Empire, with the British retaining political, economic, and diplomatic control. Full independence was finally gained in 1947, when New Zealand became a sovereign nation and a member of the Commonwealth.
| Government | Parliamentary democracy |
| Capital | Wellington |
| Official languages | English, Maori, NZ Sign |
| Demonym | New Zealander, Kiwi |
| Population | 4.5 million |
| Currency |
New Zealand dollar (NZD) |
Protestant 38.6% (Anglican 13.8%, Presbyterian, Congregational, and Reformed 10%, Christian (no denomination specified) 4.6%, Methodist 3%, Pentecostal 2%, Baptist 1.4%, other Christian 3.8%);
Roman Catholic 12.6%, Maori Christian 1.6%,
Hindu 1.6%, Buddhist 1.3%, other religions 2.2%,
None 32.2%, other or unidentified 9.9% (2006 Census)