New Zealand

Abstract

New Zealand (Aotearoa) is an island nation situated in the southwestern Pacific Ocean approximately 2,000 km east of Australia. New Zealand consists of two main islands (the North Island or Te Ika-a-Māui and the South Island or Te Waipounamu) as well as a number of small outlying islands. In 2013, New Zealand had a population of 4.5 million. Approximately 69% of the New Zealand population are of European descent. The native Māori people represent the largest minority (14.6%), followed by Asians (9.2%) and non-Māori Pacific Islanders (6.9%). There are two official languages: English and Māori. Just over half of the population identify themselves as Christians, while just over one-third of the population report having no religion (Pew Research Center, 2012).