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CKimportance 42

Cook Islands

Cook Islands faces ecosystem threats amid environmental challenges and tourism growth

The Cook Islands is experiencing elevated environmental pressures including an island-wide ant infestation threatening Rarotonga's ecosystem, marine plastic pollution linked to tourism and local habits, and ongoing concerns about feral cat impacts on seabird populations. Simultaneously, the nation is hosting the OFC U-19 Men's Championship and seeing increased cruise tourism, while regional energy security and maritime safety remain ongoing Pacific concerns.

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Country basics

Population
15K
Capital
Avarua
Currency
CKD
Head of state
Charles III

The Cook Islands is a self-governing state in free association with New Zealand, located in the South Pacific within Polynesia. While it manages its own internal affairs and increasingly conducts its own foreign policy, it relies on New Zealand for defense and certain external matters, and Cook Islanders hold New Zealand citizenship. Its political system is a parliamentary democracy with Charles III as head of state (represented locally), and Mark Brown of the Cook Islands Party serving as Prime Minister. As a small Pacific nation it is a participant in regional bodies such as the Pacific Islands Forum, and its growing diplomatic engagement—including with major powers like China—has at times generated friction with Wellington.

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