New Zealand . Physical

Protected offshore islands and oceanic reserves ensure New Zealand's unique plants and wildlife are preserved. New Zealand's wildlife includes the kiwi, a flightless bird, after which both the people and fruit are named. There are also unique varietes of parrots,frogs and reptiles. New Zealand has no native land mammals other than bats. There are no snakes.

The North Island has New Zealand's largest lake, Taupo(606sq km), longest river Waikato(425km), and most of the country's active volcanoes - Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro - all of them quiet. Hot springs, geysers and mudpools als form part of the volcanic system around Rotorua.

In the South Island, one of the most striking features is the Southern Alps. These, along with fiords, glaciers and lakes, and the coastal plains of Canterbury and Southland, add to the variety of the South Island's scenery.New Zealand's deepest lake(Hauroko 462m)and deepest cave(Nettlebed, 889m)are also located in the South island.

More than 70% of the population live in 16 urban areas.

English is the everyday language of New Zealand. Englisn, Maori(TeRero) and New Zealand sign Language are recognised as official languages.. One third of New Zealanders are not statistically recognised as having an affiliation with any religion. the largest denominations are Anglican, Catholic and Presbyterian.

Sport and cultural activities are important aspects of New Zealand life. Most children participate in some form of organised sport from primary school onwards - rugby union in winter, and cricket in summer, are the two main sports of many in New Zealand. 93% of 15 year olds were involved in at lest one cultural activity.