New Zealand is located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean and is truly one of the most picturesque and photogenic places on earth. Even with its modest size and remote location, it packs a lot of history, culture, and attractions to experience. There are top 25 incredible facts about New Zealand.
Two Landmasses :
New Zealand is made up of two major landmasses (North Island and South Island). They are divided by a 22km stretch of water called the Cook Strait.
Lower in Population :New Zealand covers 268 square kilometers. But its population is just over four million, which makes it one of the world’s least populated countries.
Hector Dolphin is Here :The Hector’s Dolphin, the world’s smallest marine dolphin, which grows to a maximum length of 1.5 meters, is found nowhere else in the world but in New Zealand waters.
The Maori lived in New Zealand before the Europeans. They called the islands Aotearoa, which means “the land of the long white cloud”.
Maori are about 15% of the country’s population. They managed to withstand the confrontation and conflicts with the Europeans and saved their freedom and right to live in their native land.
Two National Anthem :New Zealand is one of only three countries having 2 national anthems. The first one is “God Save the Queen” and the second – “God Save New Zealand”.
In 1893 New Zealand became the first country to give women the right to vote. In most other countries, women got the right of voting only after World War I.
Women are the Leaders Here :New Zealand is the only country in the world where all top leadership positions are held by women. The head of the Kingdom of New Zealand is Queen Elizabeth II. The Prime Minister, Governor-General, Chief Justice, Speaker of the House of Representatives are also women.
5 Interesting facts about New Zealand :
1. Owing to its location New Zealand is the first country, which greets each new day.
2. There are no poisonous snakes in the country. But there are 40 kinds of ants.
3. Giving your child the name of Lucifer, Messiah, or Jesus Christ in New Zealand is not allowed.
4. Blue Lake in Nelson is the cleanest lake in the world. On an auspicious day, the visibility in the water reaches 70-80 meters.
5. There are also no nuclear power stations in New Zealand.
5 Unknown Facts about New Zealand :
1. Any part of New Zealand located from the ocean not further than 128 kilometers. That makes this country a perfect surfing and beach destination.
2. New Zealand was a part of Australia but got its freedom in 1901. Since then has had no ties with Australia other than being accepted by the Commonwealth of Nations.
3. The Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed in New Zealand, the birthplace of director Peter Jackson.
4. New Zealanders have the nickname «kiwi». Kiwi bird is the national symbol of the country. It has no wings and therefore doesn’t fly.
5. Only 5-7% of the number of all living creatures on the islands of New Zealand are people. Other are animals, many of them live only in New Zealand.
7 Interesting Facts about New Zealand for Kids :
1. There are 3 official languages in New Zealand: English, New Zealand sign language, and Maori.
2. The first person who climbed Mount Everest was a New Zealander, his name was Sir Edmund Hillary.
3. The famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves filled with glowing fireflies are located in New Zealand.
4. Baron Ernest Rutherford, the first person in the world to split the atom in 1919, was also a New Zealander.
5. New Zealand is one of the most liberal countries in the world. Single-sex marriage, keeping brothels, driving for 15 years, and drinking alcohol for 18 years are officially legalized.
6. New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington, is the most southern capital in the world.
7. The name of the capital in the Maori language is Te Fanawi-a-Tara, which means «the great harbor of Tara».
Thus, in amazing New Zealand, everything is unique – from the population to geography and climate. Which fact surprised you most?
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