Cook Islands Background Capital City: Rarotonga Population:  21,750 (July 2007 est.) Geography: With a total area is 240 square km, the Cook Islands consist of many low coral atolls in the north and volcanic hilly islands in the south. Economy: Like many other South Pacific island nations, the Cook Islands' economic development is hindered by the isolation of the country from foreign markets, lack of natural resources, periodic devastation from natural disasters, and inadequate infrastructure. Agriculture provides the economic base with major exports made up of copra and citrus fruit. Manufacturing activities are limited to fruit processing, clothing, and handicrafts. Trade deficits are made up for by remittances from emigrants and by foreign aid, overwhelmingly from New Zealand. Efforts to exploit tourism potential, encourage offshore banking, and expand the mining and fishing industries have been partially successful in stimulating investment and growth. Source: The World Factbook 2008 about Cook Islands Our work in the Cook Islands Environment and Energy Democratic Governance Poverty Reduction Crisis Prevention and Recovery