Cook Islands: Asian Development Bank Member Fact Sheet 2018 Updated

Abstract

The Cook Islands consists of 15 small islands scattered over 1.8 million square kilometers in the South Pacific. The country’s economy is small, narrowly based, and vulnerable to external shocks. Tourism accounts for around 60% of gross domestic product, followed by offshore banking, fishing, and agriculture. The Cook Islands is a self-governing country in free association with New Zealand. Its nationals are New Zealand citizens, with open access to work and reside in New Zealand and—under various reciprocal entry agreements—in Australia. Emigration from the Cook Islands has contributed to a declining population and a shortage of skilled workers.