Country Profile: Cook Islands

The Cook Islands, located in the South Pacific Ocean, is a tropical paradise made up of 15 islands, including the volcanic Rarotonga, which hosts the majority of its population. With an estimated population of around 7,592 in 2025, the Cook Islands boast a rich Polynesian culture and a diverse economy primarily dependent on tourism, agriculture, and fishing. Governed as a parliamentary democracy, the Cook Islands are in free association with New Zealand, which handles defense and foreign affairs. In September 2023, the US recognized the Cook Islands as a sovereign state.

Geography

The Cook Islands comprise 15 islands located midway between Hawaii and New Zealand, featuring low coral atolls in the north and volcanic hills in the south. The area spans 236 sq km with a coastline of 120 km. The islands experience a tropical oceanic climate, characterized by a dry season from April to November and a humid season from December to March. Most of the population resides on the largest island, Rarotonga.

• 236 sq km total land area
• 120 km of coastline
• Highest point at 652 m (Te Manga)
• 7 low-lying coral atolls in the north

People and Society

As of 2025, the population of the Cook Islands is projected to be 7,592, with a majority identifying as Cook Island Maori. The official languages include English and Cook Islands Maori. The country has a diverse religious landscape, with 55% of the population identifying as Protestant and 16.7% as Roman Catholic. The median age is approximately 41.5 years, with a life expectancy of 77.6 years.

• 65.9% of the population is aged between 15-64 years
• 18.2% of the population is aged 0-14 years
• 16% are aged 65 years and over (2024 est.)
• 76.2% of the population lives in urban areas (2023)

Economy

The Cook Islands operate a high-income economy characterized by a reliance on tourism, which significantly slowed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2024, the real GDP is estimated at $401.155 million. The economy also exports copra and tropical fruits while benefiting from aid from the Asian Development Bank. Economic growth showed notable recovery in recent years, with a projected growth rate of 10.5% for 2022 following a severe contraction in 2021.

• $29,800 real GDP per capita (2024 est.)
• $113.687 million in government revenues (2022 est.)
• $409.077 million nominal GDP (2024 est.)
• 10.6% inflation rate (2022 est.)

Government

The Cook Islands are a self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand, operating under a parliamentary democracy system. The political structure includes an elected parliament with 24 members and a Prime Minister. The current Prime Minister is Mark Brown, in office since October 2020. The Cook Islands have their own constitution established on August 4, 1965.

• 18 years is the voting age, ensuring universal suffrage.
• The Cook Islands participate in multiple international organizations.
• The judiciary adheres to common law based on New Zealand's system.

Military and Security

The Cook Islands do not maintain regular military forces; however, the Cook Islands Police Service provides local security. New Zealand is primarily responsible for defense, working in consultation with the Cook Islands. The country has established a "shiprider" agreement with the United States, allowing local officers to operate alongside US Coast Guard and Navy vessels.

• No standing military forces exist.
• Shiprider agreements enable cooperation with US maritime forces.

Energy

The Cook Islands have an electricity generating capacity of 17,000 kW. In 2023, their total electricity consumption was 37.5 million kWh. Approximately 60.9% of the energy generation relies on fossil fuels, while 39.1% comes from solar energy sources.

• 3.2 million kWh loss in transmission/distribution (2023)
• 700 bbl/day refined petroleum consumption (2023)

Environment

Environmental challenges in the Cook Islands include waste disposal, soil degradation, and overfishing. The country is committed to several international environmental agreements, including those addressing climate change and biodiversity. A significant portion of the land is covered by forests, measuring 65% as of 2023.

• 7.9% of the land is used for agriculture (2023)
• 96.8% of the population has access to improved sanitation (2022)

Transportation

The Cook Islands have 10 airports and one key port located at Avatiu. The local merchant marine fleet comprises 190 vessels, facilitating trade and transport.

• 1 port with oil terminal facilities
• 190 vessels in the merchant marine (2023)

Communications

Telecommunications in the Cook Islands include a mix of fixed and mobile services, with 18,100 mobile cellular subscriptions reported in 2022. Approximately 64.8% of the population were internet users in 2021, reflecting a growing digital connectivity.

• 6,990 fixed-line subscriptions (2022)
• 123 mobile subscriptions per 100 inhabitants (2022)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	7,592 (2025 est.)
Area	236 sq km
Real GDP	$401.155 million (2024 est.)	Purchasing power parity
GDP per capita	$29,800 (2024 est.)	Purchasing power parity
Birth Rate	11.85 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Life Expectancy	77.6 years (2024 est.)
Inflation Rate	10.6% (2022 est.)	Consumer prices
Electricity Consumption	37.5 million kWh (2023 est.)
Total Agricultural Land	7.9% (2023 est.)
Urban Population	76.2% (2023 est.)