New-Zealand

New Zealand, affectionately called the “Land of the Long White Cloud” by its inhabitants, was one of the last countries to be colonized by man. Due to its isolation (2000 km from the Australian coasts), New Zealand was able to preserve a natural candour that today makes it one of the countries with the most pristine and spectacular sights in the world. Following the media hype of the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, the two islands of New Zealand have become increasingly popular.

The country is currently ranked 15^th in the world in quality of living, surpassing France (stuck at 25^th). You will also find some of the most reputable universities in the world!

Very much aware of how tricky it can be to organize a study project in such a faraway land, Study Experience is there to help you find the right studies and settle into New-Zealand.

Geography

New-Zealand consists of two main islands: the North Island (or Te Ika a Maui) and the South Island (or Te Wai Pounamu), which are 20 km apart. The size of the country is comparable to that of the United Kingdom, Japan or Italy (268,680 km²).

The considerable length of New Zealand, combined with its narrow width, give the country an amazing diversity of climates. Whereas the north has a tropical climate, in other areas the weather can be extremely unpredictable throughout the year. But rest assured, the average temperature is moderate, rarely dropping below 0?C or climbing above 30?C.

Also the landscape varies in an impressive and radical way - a car tour of a few hours can suffice to discover untamed coasts, turquoise beaches, alpine mountains, desert passages and even English-style rural zones…

Culture

An important part of New-Zealand culture is marked by British colonialism. The education system is largely based on the English model. To this influence one must add that of the indigenous population, the Maoris, who were the first to reach New Zealand 700 years ago (although some people exaggerate this figure to 2000 years!). Christianity, which was introduced in the 19^th century, is the dominant religion today and everyday life is quite similar to that in Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States or Canada. None of this impedes the Maori culture from continuing to express itself and its ancestral traditions are in fact carefully protected and promoted by the entire New-Zealand population. Maori is still taught to youngsters at school, but only 4% of the population can speak the language fluently.

Sports play a central role in New Zealand society. Rugby is the national sport of course, and over the years the New Zealanders have forged quite a global reputation - Everyone is familiar with the famous Maori “Haka” dance performed by the “All-Blacks” before every match.

The other New-Zealand specialty is the obsession with “extreme” sports. Skiing and snowboarding are popular in the mountainous regions of the South Island every year. Sir Edmund Hillary is New Zealand’s national hero, as he was the first man ever to climb the summit of the Mount Everest in 1953. The country is also well known for the impressive number of locations where one can practise bungee or parachute jumping.

Key Facts and Figures

History of New Zealand

• New Zealand remains one the last countries to have been colonized by man (between 2000 and 700 years ago).

• The first European to have reached New Zealand was Captain Abel Tasman in 1642. The Maoris captured and ate many members of his crew…

• No other European dared to venture the island until 1769, when James Cook circumnavigated all of New Zealand and initiated commercial exchanges between Europe and New Zealand.

• Numerous conflicts broke out between 1860 and 1870, when the Maoris blamed the British colonists of stealing their lands.

• In 1975, the Maoris finally received compensation with the Treaty of Waitangi.

The New Zealand Society

• The capital of New Zealand is Wellington. Auckland is however the largest city in the country with 1.5 million inhabitants.

• The political regime of the country is a Parliamentary Monarchy.

• The population of New Zealand is almost 4 million inhabitants.

• New Zealand frequently makes itself felt globally regarding its fierce defence of the environment and human rights.

• The country maintains strong political relations with a high number of Pacific island nations.

New Zealand at full-scale

• New Zealand has more than 40 million sheep.

• The highest summit is Mount Cook. Located in the Alps of the South Island, it reaches 3754 meters above sea level.

• Having remained untouched by man for a long time, New Zealand possesses one of the richest biodiversities in the world.

• Unlike its neighbour Australia, New Zealand does not have any predator that is dangerous to man.

Commerce and Technology in New Zealand

• The currency in New Zealand is the New Zealand dollar.

• The country calling code for New Zealand is +64.

• Agriculture encompasses about 50% of New Zealand’s exports.

• According to the OECD, it has the 8^th “happiest” population among 30 democratic nations.

• 14% of the population has at least a Bachelors degree.

• Tourism contributes almost 10% to the GNP of New Zealand, that is about 12.8 billion dollars.