Background: Named after Captain Cook, who sighted them in 1770, the islands became a British protectorate in 1888. By 1900, administrative control was transferred to New Zealand; in 1965 residents chose self-government in free association with New Zealand. The emigration of skilled workers to New Zealand and government deficits are continuing problems.

NOTE: The information regarding Cook Islands on this page is re-published from the 2001 World Fact Book of the United States Central Intelligence Agency. No claims are made regarding the accuracy of Cook Islands Introduction 2001 information contained here. All suggestions for corrections of any errors about Cook Islands Introduction 2001 should be addressed to the CIA.