New Zealand

New Zealand is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It has two main islands and is known for some of the most beautiful scenery on Earth. New Zealand was the last large land area to be settled by humans.

Land and People

About 5 million people live in New Zealand. The capital is Wellington. The country has snowy mountains, green hills, volcanoes, fjords, and glowing caves. There are more sheep than people!

The famous old Treaty signed in New Zealand long ago.
The famous old Treaty signed in New Zealand long ago. (William Hobson, James Freeman, and James Busby (English version); Henry Williams and Edward Williams (Māori translation) / Wikimedia Commons)

Culture and Fun Facts

The Maori people were the first to settle New Zealand and their culture is deeply important. The haka is a powerful Maori dance performed by New Zealand's rugby team. The kiwi, a flightless bird, is a national symbol. Lord of the Rings was filmed in New Zealand.

Fun Facts

  • New Zealand has about 6 sheep for every person.
  • New Zealand was the first country to give women the right to vote in 1893.
  • The Lord of the Rings movies were all filmed in New Zealand.

Did You Know?

New Zealand was the last major land mass to be settled by humans. The Maori people arrived by canoe from Polynesia about 700 years ago. Before that, the only land mammals were bats. That is why New Zealand has so many unusual birds, like the flightless kiwi.