About New Zealand
New Zealand is a wealthy Pacific nation dominated by two cultural groups: New Zealanders of European descent; and the Maori, the descendants of Polynesian settlers.It is made up of two main islands and numerous smaller ones. Around three-quarters of the population lives on the North Island, which is also home to the capital, Wellington.
Agriculture is the economic mainstay, but manufacturing and tourism are important. Visitors are drawn to the glacier-carved mountains, lakes, beaches and thermal springs. Because of the islands' geographical isolation, much of the flora and fauna is unique to the country.
New Zealand plays an active role in Pacific affairs. It has constitutional ties with the Pacific territories of Niue, the Cook Islands and Tokelau.
- Capital : Wellington
- Population : 4.5 million
- Area : 270,534 sq km (104,454 sq miles)
- Major languages : English, Maori
- Major religion : Christianity
- Life expectancy : 79 years (men), 83 years (women)
- Currency : New Zealand dollarUN, World Bank
Fortunately, you can feel confident about New Zealand's education system. Ensuring a good education for all is part of the Kiwi concept of 'giving everyone a fair go'. New Zealand is comfortably in the world's top 20 nations for the quality of our schools according to the OECD in 2015. All eight of our universities are ranked in the top 500 QS World University Rankings 2015/16.Over 90% of parents in HSBC's 2015 Expat Explorer survey say that the quality of New Zealand education is 'the same' or even 'better' (50% of respondents) than at home. Nearly 70% of them say their children are more confident and well-rounded from their time spent living in New Zealand. New Zealand pride on an education system that is world-class, modern and responsive.