Cook Islands

Did you know?

• 🏝A self-governing island country in free association with New Zealand, located in the South Pacific Ocean.
• 🏳️What does its flag mean? The blue field symbolizes the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean surrounding the islands and the peaceful nature of its inhabitants. The Union Jack in the canton signifies the historical connections to Great Britain and membership in the Commonwealth. A ring of 15 white stars represents the 15 islands that form the Cook Islands; the circular arrangement symbolizes unity and equality among all islands.
• 🇳🇿Free association with New Zealand: Cook Islanders are officially New Zealand citizens and use the New Zealand Dollar, but the Cook Islands operates as an independent nation with its own parliament and foreign affairs.
• 🪙Triangle coins: The Cook Islands mints unique legal tender currency, including famous triangular $2 coins and $3 banknotes depicting local mythology.
• 🧵Traditional tivaevae: The islands are famous for tivaevae, an intricate art of hand-sewn quilts gifted on special occasions that can take months or years to complete.