Cook Islands

Introduction to Cook Islands

The Cook Islands are a self-governing parliamentary democracy in free association with New Zealand. The 15 small islands in this South Pacific Ocean have a total land area of 240 km².

Tourism drives the Economy as the country's number one industry, far ahead of offshore banking, pearls, marine and fruit exports. A popular art form on the islands is tivaivai, often likened to quilting.

defence is the responsibility of New Zealand, in consultation with the Cook Islands and at its request.

Cultural notes about Cook Islands

In the Cook Islands, Christian music is extremely popular. Imene tuki and imene metua are forms of unaccompanied vocal music known for a uniquely Polynesian drop in pitch at the end of the phrases, as well as staccato rhythmic outbursts of nonsensical syllables (tuki).

Harmony-singing church music and a wide variety of hymns and wedding and funeral music are found throughout the Cook Islands. There is much variation across the region, and each island has its own traditional songs.

The Cook Islands drumming style is well-known internationally, but is often misidentified as an example of Tahitian music.

Official Canadian government advisories for travelling to, in and around Cook Islands

Most Canadian visitors to the Cook Islands do not experience problems. There are no serious security or safety concerns. Petty crime is prevalent. Exercise normal safety precautions and ensure personal belongings, passports, and other travel documents are secure at all times.