New Zealand is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It comprises two main landmasses—the North Island and the South Island—and around 600 smaller islands, covering a total area of 268,000 square kilometers (103,000 sq mi). New Zealand is about 2,000 kilometers (1,200 mi) east of Australia across the Tasman Sea and 1,000 kilometers (600 mi) south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga. Because of its remoteness, it was one of the last lands to be settled by humans. During its long isolation, New Zealand developed a distinct biodiversity of animal, fungal, and plant life. The country’s varied topography and its sharp mountain peaks owe much to the tectonic uplift of land and volcanic eruptions. New Zealand’s capital city is Wellington; its most populous city is Auckland .
In 1642–43 Dutch explorer Abel Tasman became the first European to sight New Zealand. In 1840 it became a British colony through the Treaty of Waitangi when Captain William Hobson proclaimed British sovereignty over all islands within “The Southern Ocean”. On 20 September 1907 women were given voting rights followed by universal suffrage in 1919 which remains unique in world history as one example how democracy can develop different ways. Following World War II there was an influx from other European countries particularly after 1955 but more recently Asian immigration has been dominant with China now being NZ’s largest source followed by India. Asians now make up 15 percent while Europeans are 74 percent of NZ’s population making it one of most ethnically diverse countries in Oceania.
It has been frequently ranked highly in various quality-of-life surveys such as those conducted by Amnesty International or Mercer; however recent studies have shown a decline in living standards for low income earners .
New Zealand consists of two main islands – North Island and South Island – as well as Stewart Island/Rakiura and approximately 600 smaller islands which lie scattered about within close proximity to both main land masses including Chatham Islands nearly 800km to the southeast off mainland New Zealand . The North Island is by far the most populous with almost four-fifths (3.7 million)Of new zealanders live here whereas on South Island only one-fifth Of residents reside (1 million people )in spite oF this discrepancy ,the south island boasts some oF new zealand’s most FiDoMous landmarks And icons That greatly contribute To nation’s international image such As Milford Sound , Fox Glacier And Mount cook While north island Is home To bustling metropolitan centres like Auckland And Wellington where Most central government departments are based . Although English Is predominant language spoken throughout new zealand With Māori also having Official recognition , other languages Also Have sizable number oF speakers especially among immigrant communities – according To 2013 census data 68 different tongues were reported as being used regularly at home .
New zealand’s landscape Is extremely varied due largely To fact that it straddles Boundary between australian And pacific Tectonic plates Which causes significant seismic And Volcanic Activity Within country ’s confines . As result There Are many volcanoes both active And inactive Many hot springs Some geysers Particularly around Rotorua area while others Have undergone major eruptionsWithin last century or so such As mount Tarawera 1886 Ruapehu 1995 – 1996 Tongariro National Park 2012–2013 Surtsey 1963 – 1967 WhiteIsland 1980 – present day All these geological features Give rise To spectacular scenery that attracts millions tourists from all over world each year helping generate sizeable chunk OF new zealand’s GDP through tourism sector