English is the principal language but Maori is also considered an official language.
The economy of New Zealand is based principally upon the export of primary goods, such as wool, lamb, mutton, beef, fruit, fish, and timber. Imports include oil, motor vehicles, industrial equipment, and consumer goods. Its major trading partners are Australia, the European Union, the United States, Japan, and China. Trade with a variety of Asian countries has been increasing in recent years. The gross domestic product (GDP) is US$75.4 billion (2001 estimate) with a per capita income of US$19,500 (2001 estimate). The unit of currency is the New Zealand dollar.
Political Background
New Zealand was originally settled by Maori voyagers from Polynesia in the ninth century. The first European to sight it was the Dutch explorer, Abel Tasman. In 1769, Captain James Cook claimed it for the British. New Zealand did not become a formal colony until 1841. It retained this colonial status until 1907 when it was made an independent member of the British Commonwealth.
New Zealand was one of the first countries to introduce universal adult suffrage and establish a welfare state.
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