New Zealand

New Zealand

HISTORICAL NOTES:
The first people to settle in New Zealand were Polynesian tribesthe Maories before AD 1000. New Zealand was discovered that it was a group of islands. Some English missionaries arrived in NZ in 1814. There were disputes between Maories and British settlers over land ownership, which led to war. The war lasted about 10 years. In 1907 was granded the status of a Dominion.

GEOGRAPHY:
NZ consists of two large islands:
1. North Island
2. South Island
NZ is larger than GB, but the density of population is very low. All the large towns lie on the eastern coast.

RELIEF:
The country is mountainous, there is very little flat land. The North Island is famous for its hot springs, geysers and watering places. The termal activity of the volcanic area is very spectacular. The South Islands has fertile plains and high mountains, the Southern Alps. There are glaciers and fiords in the west. The highest peak is Mount Cook 3764 m. The Southern Alps provides excellent opportunities for skiing and mountaineering.

RIVERS AND LAKES:
Many of the rivers are short. NZ has many lakes, the largest of which Lake Tanpo, is also in the North Island.

CLIMATE:
NZ has a very pleasant, healthy temperature climate with plenty of sunshine with warm summers and mild winters.

NATURAL RESOURES:
NZ has OIL, NATURAL GAS, COAL, SULPHAT, and GOLD. It has also extensive forests.

POPULATION:
The majority of the population is of British origin. The native people are the Maories.
Hamilton – the largest city (on the North Island)

AGRICULTURE AND INDUSTRY
New Zealand is specialized on livestock breeding (cattle, sheep)