An island of nations, mainly the North Island, South Island, and Stewart Island, 1500 kilometers east of Australia, New Zealand has a population of about 4.5 million people.
The official languages of New Zealand are English, Maori, and NZ Sign Language. English is spoken by about 95% of New Zealanders.
New Zealand is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy. The Head of State is the British monarchy, represented locally by the Governor-General. A Prime Minister oversees the Cabinet, which is the highest policy making body in the government.
One of the most secular societies in the world, New Zealand’s population identifies as 55% Christian and 35% with no religion.
The currency is the New Zealand Dollar.