New zealand - interesting facts. Animals and plants of New Zealand - the unique nature of the country

New Zealand is located in the southwest Pacific Ocean in the Polynesian Triangle central area hemispheres of water. The main territory of the country is made up of two islands with corresponding names - the South Island and the North Island. The South and North Islands are separated by the Cook Strait. In addition to the two main islands of New Zealand, there are about 700 islands of a much smaller area, most of which are uninhabited.

The largest of these are Stewart Island, the Antipodes Islands, Auckland Island, the Bounty Islands, the Campbell Islands, the Chatham Archipelago and Kermadec Island. The total area of ​​the country is 268,680 km2. This makes it slightly smaller than Italy or Japan, but somewhat larger than the UK. Length coastline New Zealand is 15,134 kilometers long.

The South Island is New Zealand's largest island, with an area of ​​151,215 km2. About one-fourth of the country's population lives on the island. Along the island from north to south stretches the ridge of the folded mountains of the Southern Alps, the highest peak of which is Mount Cook, another official name- Aoraki) with a height of 3754 meters. In addition to it, on the South Island there are 18 more peaks with a height of more than 3000 m. The eastern part of the island is more flat and almost completely occupied by agricultural land. The west coast of the island is much less densely populated. Significant massifs of almost untouched nature with virgin flora and fauna. the western part is also famous for numerous national parks, fjords and glaciers descending from the slopes of the Southern Alps right into the Tasman Sea. The island's largest lake is Te Anau (the second largest lake in New Zealand).

The North Island, with an area of ​​115,777 km2, is much less mountainous than the South Island and is more convenient for the creation of settlements and seaports, which is why the majority of the population lives on it and the largest cities of the country are located here. The highest point in the North Island is active volcano Ruapehu is 2797 meters high. The northern island is characterized by high volcanic activity: out of the six volcanic zones of the country, five are located on it. In the heart of the North Island is Lake Taupo, the largest lake in New Zealand. It is the source of the Waikato River, which is 425 kilometers long, making it the longest river in New Zealand.

New Zealand is isolated from other islands and continents by large sea distances. The Tasman Sea washing its western coast separates the country from Australia for 1700 km. The Pacific Ocean washes the eastern coast of the country and separates the country from its closest neighbors - in the north, from New Calendonia, for 1,000 km; in the east, from Chile, at 8700 km; and south of Antarctica for 2500 km.

The length of the coastal strip of New Zealand is 15,134 km Territorial waters - 12 nautical miles. Exclusive economic zone - up to 200 nautical miles. The area of ​​the maritime exclusive economic zone is approximately 4,300,000 km2, which is 15 times the land area of ​​the country. Up to 700 small islands are located in the coastal waters of the country, most of them are located at a distance of up to 50 km from the main islands. Of the total, only about 60 are habitable or currently occupied.

The relief of New Zealand is mainly hills and mountains. More than 75% of the country's territory lies at an altitude of more than 200 m above sea level. Most of the mountains of the North Island do not exceed 1800 m in height, 19 peaks of the South Island are higher than 3000 m. coastal zones The northern island is represented by spacious valleys. Fjords are located on the western coast of the South Island.

Geological structure of New Zealand

The islands that form New Zealand are located in the Cenozoic geocyclinal region between two lithospheric plates - the Pacific and Australian. Over long historical periods, the fault site between the two plates has been subjected to complex geological processes, constantly changing the structure and shape of the earth's crust. That is why, unlike most of the islands of the Pacific Ocean, the islands of New Zealand were formed not only as a result of volcanic activity, but also as a result of discharges and are composed of geological rocks of different composition and different ages.

Active tectonic activity in the earth's crust of this region continues at the present geological stage of the formation of our planet. And its results are noticeable even in a historically short period from the beginning of the development of the islands by Europeans. So, for example, as a result of a devastating earthquake in 1855, the coastline near Wellington rose by more than one and a half meters, and in 1931, also as a result of a strong earthquake near the city of Napier, about 9 km2 of land rose to the water surface.

The location of New Zealand is historically associated with active volcanic activity on its territory. Researchers suggest that it began in the early Miocene, and the period of formation of modern zones of increased volcanic activity was completed in the late Pliocene. The largest volcanic eruptions, presumably, took place during the late Pliocene - early Pleistocene, when about 5 million cubic kilometers of rock could erupt to the Earth's surface.

On present stage the zone of increased tectonic activity and the associated high number of earthquakes is the western coast of the South Island and the northeast coast of the North Island. The annual number of earthquakes in the country is up to 15,000, most of them are small and only about 250 annually can be classified as noticeable or strong. IN modern history the most powerful earthquake was recorded in 1855 near Wellington, with a force of about 8.2 points, the most destructive was the 1931 earthquake in the Napier region, which claimed 256 human lives.

Volcanic activity in modern New Zealand is still high and 6 volcanic zones are active in the country, five of which are located on the North Island. In the area of ​​​​Lake Taupo, presumably in 186 BC, the largest documented volcanic eruption in the history of mankind occurred. The consequences of the eruption are described in the historical chronicles of places as far away as China and Greece. The site of the eruption is now the largest in the Pacific region freshwater lake, its area comparable to the territory of Singapore.

Minerals of New Zealand

New Zealand is located on the border of the Indo-Australian and Pacific seismic rings. The processes of their interaction, including the rapid uplift of mountain ranges and active volcanic activity for two million years, determined the geology of the land mass of the islands.

Despite the diversity of natural resources, only deposits of gas, oil, gold, silver, iron sandstone and coal are industrially developed. In addition to the above, there are extensive reserves of limestone and clays (including bentonite clay). Aluminum, titan iron ore, antimony, chromium, copper, zinc, manganese, mercury, tungsten, platinum, heavy spar, and a number of other minerals are often found, but their explored industrial reserves are small.

It should be especially noted that all deposits and all the extraction of jade since 1997 have been given to the management of the Maori, due to the important historical role that jade products (Pounamu Maori) play in the culture of this people. New Zealand's proven gold reserves are 372 tons. In 2002, gold production amounted to a little less than 10 tons. New Zealand's proven silver reserves are 308 tons. In 2002, silver mining amounted to almost 29 tons. The proven reserves of ferruginous sandstone are 874 million tons. Its industrial production began in the 60s of the XX century. In 2002, production amounted to about 2.4 million tons.

New Zealand's proven natural gas reserves are 68 bcm. Commercial gas production started in 1970. In 2005, natural gas production in the country amounted to approximately 50 million m3. Oil reserves are approximately 14 million tons, its industrial production began in 1935. Oil production in the country is declining markedly in last years. In 2005, the country's oil production amounted to just over 7 million barrels. Coal production, which has been steadily increasing for many decades, is stabilized in the first decade of the 21st century thanks to programs aimed at reducing the consumption of solid fuels. About a third of the coal produced is exported. Currently, 60 coal mines continue to operate in the country.

Climate of New Zealand

New Zealand's climate varies from warm subtropical in the north of the North Island to cool temperate in the south of the South Island; in mountainous areas, a harsh alpine climate prevails. The chain of the high Southern Alps divides the country in half and, blocking the path of predominant westerly winds, divides it into two different climatic zones. The west coast of the South Island is the wettest part of the country; the eastern part, located just 100 kilometers from it, is the driest.

Most of New Zealand has rainfall between 600 and 1600 millimeters per year. They are distributed relatively evenly throughout the year, except during drier summers.

The average annual temperature ranges from +10 °C in the south to +16 °C in the north. Most cold month- July, and the warmest months are January and February. In the north of New Zealand, the differences between winter and summer temperatures are not very significant, but in the south and in foothill areas the difference reaches 14 °C. In the mountainous regions of the country, with increasing altitude, the temperature drops sharply, by about 0.7 ° C every 100 meters. Auckland, the country's largest city, has an average annual temperature of +15.1°C, with the highest recorded temperature being +30.5°C and the lowest being -2.5°C. In the capital of the country, Wellington, the average annual temperature is +12.8 °C, the maximum recorded temperature is +31.1 °C, the minimum is -1.9 °C.

Quantity sundial relatively high in the year, especially in areas protected from westerly winds. The national average is at least 2,000 hours. The level of solar radiation is very high in most of the country.

Snowfall is extremely rare in coastal areas north of the country and in the western part of the South Island, however, in the east and south, this island is subject to snowfall during the winter months. As a rule, such snowfalls are insignificant and short-lived. Night frosts in winter time may take place throughout the country.

Rivers and lakes of New Zealand

Thanks to special geological and geographical conditions New Zealand has many rivers and lakes. Most of the rivers are short (less than 50 km), originate in the mountains and quickly descend to the plains, where they slow down their flow. Waikato is the largest river in the country with a length of 425 km. The country also has 33 rivers with a length of more than 100 km and 6 rivers with a length of 51 to 95 km.

In New Zealand, there are 3,280 lakes with a water surface area of ​​more than 0.001 km2, 229 lakes with a water surface of more than 0.5 km2, and 40 lakes with a water surface of more than 10 km2. The country's largest lake is Taupo (area 616 km2), the most deep lake- Huacaremoana (depth - 256 meters) Most of the lakes in the North Island are formed as a result of volcanic activity, and most of the lakes in the South Island are formed by glacial activity.

According to the statistics of 1977-2001, the average annual volume of renewable water resources in New Zealand is estimated at 327 km3, which is about 85 m3/year per capita. In 2001, river and lake resources amounted to about 320 km3, glacier resources about 70 km3, atmospheric moisture resources about 400 km3, and groundwater resources were estimated at approximately 613 km3.

The protection and management of water resources and the water supply system for the population and economic facilities in New Zealand is the responsibility of local governments. The cost of the main production assets of the water management complex is estimated at more than 1 billion New Zealand dollars. Centralized water supply systems provide drinking water about 85% of the country's population. About 77% of the consumption in the country fresh water used in irrigation systems.

Soils of New Zealand

In general, the soils of the country are relatively unfertile and not rich in humus. The most common types of soils are: Mountainous soil types - making up about half of the country's territory (of which about 15% are devoid of vegetation). Brown-gray soil types - mainly found in the intermountain plains of the South Island (unproductive for productive agriculture, used mainly as pastures). Yellow-gray soil types are typical for steppe regions and mixed forests and are used for active farming. Yellow-brown soil types are typical for hilly areas.

Animal world of New Zealand

Long historical isolation and remoteness from other continents has created a unique and in many ways inimitable natural world of the islands of New Zealand, which differs big amount endemic plants and birds. About 1000 years ago, before the appearance of permanent human settlements on the islands, mammals were historically completely absent. The exceptions were two species of bats and coastal whales, sea lions (Phocarctos hookeri) and fur seals (Arctocephalus forsteri).

Simultaneously with the arrival of the first permanent residents, the Polynesians, on the islands, Polynesian rats and dogs appeared. Later, the first European settlers brought pigs, cows, goats, mice and cats. The development of European settlements in the nineteenth century caused the appearance in New Zealand of more and more new species of animals.

The appearance of some of them had an extremely negative impact on the flora and fauna of the islands. Such animals include rats, cats, ferrets, rabbits (brought into the country for the development of hunting), stoats (brought into the country to control the rabbit population), possums (brought into the country to develop the fur industry). Having no natural enemies in the surrounding nature, the populations of these animals reached sizes that posed a threat to agriculture, public health, and brought natural representatives of the flora and fauna of New Zealand to the brink of extinction. Only in recent years, through the efforts of New Zealand's environmental authorities, have some offshore islands and were spared from these animals, which allowed us to hope for the preservation of natural conditions there.

Of the representatives of the fauna of New Zealand, the most famous are the kiwi birds (Apterygiformes), which have become the national symbol of the country. Among the birds, it is also necessary to note kea (Nestor notabilis) (or nestor), kakapo (Strigops habroptilus) (or owl parrot), takahe (Notoronis hochstelteri) (or wingless sultan). Only in New Zealand have the remains of giant flightless moa birds (Dinornis) exterminated about 500 years ago, reaching a height of 3.5 m. wings up to 3 meters and weighing up to 15 kg. Reptiles found in New Zealand include the tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus) and the skink (Scincidae).

The European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) is the only representative of insectivores brought into the country and adapted to free living conditions in it. There are no snakes in New Zealand and only the katipo (Latrodectus katipo) is poisonous.

29 species of fish live in the fresh waters of the country, 8 of which are on the verge of extinction. IN coastal seas up to 3000 species of fish and other inhabitants of the sea live.

Flora of New Zealand

Subtropical forest of New Zealand Flora of New Zealand has about 2000 species of plants, while endemics make up at least 70% of this number. The country's forests are divided into two main types - mixed subtropical and evergreen. The forests are dominated by polycarps (Podocarpus). The thickets of New Zealand agathis (Agathis australis) and cypress dacrydum (Dacrydium cupressinum) have survived, although they have sharply decreased during the industrial development of forests.

In artificial forests, the total area of ​​which is about 2 million hectares, mainly radiant pine (Pinus radiata), brought to New Zealand in the middle of the 19th century, is grown. The plantation of radiant pine in the Kaingaroa Forest area has created the world's largest artificially grown forest.

New Zealand has the most a large number of liver mosses in comparison with other countries. On the territory of the country there are 606 varieties of them, 50% of them are endemic. Mosses are widely distributed, with 523 varieties currently known in New Zealand.

Among the approximately 70 species of forget-me-nots (Myosotis) known in nature, approximately 30 are endemic to New Zealand. Unlike forget-me-nots in other parts of the world, only two species of these plants in New Zealand are blue - Myosotis antarctica and Myosotis capitata. Of the 187 grass varieties historically found in New Zealand, 157 are endemic.

In New Zealand there is an unusually large for given climate the number of ferns. The silver cyathea (Cyathea dealbata) (also known locally as the silver fern) is one of the commonly accepted national symbols.

Population of New Zealand

As of February 2010, the population of New Zealand is about 4.353 million people. The bulk of the country's population are New Zealanders of European origin, mostly descendants of immigrants from the UK. According to the 2006 census, the total share of the population of European origin is approximately 67.6% of the total population of the country. Representatives of the indigenous people, Maori, make up about 14.6% of the population. The next two largest ethnic groups - representatives of Asian and Polynesian peoples - account for 9.2% and 6.5% of the country's population, respectively.

The average age of the inhabitants of the country is about 36 years. In 2006, more than 500 people over the age of 100 lived in the country. In the same year, the proportion of the population under the age of 15 was 21.5%.

Population growth in 2007 was 0.95%. The total birth rate in the same year was 13.61 births per 1,000 population, and the total death rate was 7.54 deaths per 1,000 population.

Most New Zealanders permanently (or for a long time) live outside the country. The largest New Zealand diaspora lives in Australia (in 2000, the number of New Zealanders living in Australia was about 375,000 people) and in the UK (in 2001, about 50,000 people, while about 17% of New Zealanders have either British citizenship or the right to it). receiving). Traditionally, out-of-country New Zealanders maintain close contact with their homeland, and many of them deservedly become among the outstanding representatives of their country.

According to the 2006 census, the majority of the population, about 56%, profess Christianity (in 2001 there were 60% of such people). The most common denominations of Christianity in the country are Anglicanism, Latin Rite Catholicism, Presbyterianism and Methodism. Followers of Sikhism, Hinduism and Islam make up the next largest religious communities in New Zealand. About 35% of the country's population during the census did not associate themselves with religion (in 2001 there were 30% of such people).

The total number of Maori is 565,329. For 15 years (1991-2006), the number of this people in the country increased by almost 30%. About 47% of them are descendants of mixed marriages (mainly with Europeans). 51% of Maori living in New Zealand are men, 49% are women. Of these, 35% are children under 15 years of age. The average age of Maori living in New Zealand is about 23 years old. At the same time, the average age of women is a little over 24 years, and the average age of the male population is a little over 21 years.

About 87% of Maori live in the North Island and about 25% live in the city of Auckland or its suburbs. The largest concentration of representatives of this people is observed on Chatham Island. 23% can communicate fluently in the Maori language. About 25% do not own it at all. About 4% of Maori have a university education (or higher). About 39% of the total Maori population has a permanent full-time job.

English, Maori and New Zealand Sign Language are official languages countries. English is the main language of communication, and 96% of the country's population uses it as such. Most books, newspapers and magazines are published on it, it also dominates the broadcasting of radio and television. Maori is the second language official language. In 2006, the language of the deaf and dumb (New Zealand Sign Language) received the status of the third state language.

New Zealand dialect in English close to Australian, but retaining a much greater influence of English southern regions England. However, he acquired some of the characteristics of a Scottish and Irish accent. The Maori language had a certain influence on pronunciation, and some words of this language entered the daily communication of the country's multinational community.

In addition, representatives of another 171 language groups live in the country. The most spoken languages ​​after English and Maori are Samoan, French, Hindi and Chinese. The Russian language and other Slavic languages ​​are of little use due to the small population for which these languages ​​are native.

Source - http://ru.wikipedia.org/

New Zealand is the end of the world, a country about which the average Russian citizen knows little. Expensive tickets by plane, geographical isolation and the correct policy of the authorities do not allow crowds of tourists to explore this island. Therefore, New Zealand still boasts breathtaking landscapes that are not affected by human influence. Nevertheless, this island of happy people is worth visiting at least once in your life (and maybe staying forever).

Some facts

New Zealand is an island nation in the southwest Pacific Ocean, near Australia. It consists of two large islands - North and South - as well as many archipelagos that are not always suitable for life. New Zealand has an area of ​​268,680 km², slightly larger than its population of only 4.5 million people.

New Zealand is formally ruled by Queen Elizabeth II, since from the middle of the 18th century to the middle of the 20th century, the New Zealand Islands were a colony of the British Empire. But in reality, all power is in the hands of the parliament, which, judging by the fact that the country's standard of living is considered one of the highest in the world, rules quite wisely.

The official languages ​​are English and Maori, and the capital is Wellington. In addition to the diverse landscapes, nature has endowed New Zealand with a mild, pleasant climate: in winter the temperature here does not fall below 10 ° C, and in summer it rises no higher than 30 ° C. Important: winter in New Zealand happens when we have summer.

Wilderness in New Zealand

On the territory of New Zealand, you can see almost everything: from snow-capped rocky mountains to velvety beaches. The visiting card of this country is the Milford Sound fjord, which appeared more than 20 thousand years ago. Sheer cliffs, covered with forests, hang over a crystal-clear bay, over which you can often see a thin strip of a rainbow.

The nature of New Zealand is especially admired in the territory national parks, which in this country as many as 12! On the North Island, geysers located on the sloping slopes of the active Tongariro volcano can be observed emitting colorful smoke into the atmosphere. Not far from the volcanoes is the famous Rotarua Geyser Valley. Here you can take mud baths and take an unforgettable walk along the volcanic terraces. In the very center of the North Island, in the crater of an extinct volcano, there is an unprecedented beauty that attracts lovers of fishing and cruises.

In addition to formidable and bewitching volcanoes, fabulous beaches are also features of New Zealand's nature. In one of the most beautiful national parks in the South Island, it is worth soaking up the sand, the color of which changes from snowy white to bright yellow.

But the nature of New Zealand presents a couple more surprises in the form glacial lakes, Waitomo Caves dotted with fireflies, gentle forests and sheer cliffs…

The feathered world of New Zealand

It would seem that with such a quantity and variety of landscapes, the wildlife of New Zealand should be represented by all kinds of fauna. But the number of animals and birds on the islands is not so great, which, however, fully pays off with the uniqueness of the inhabitants of this paradise on earth.

The first on the list will be the symbol of New Zealand - the kiwi bird. Covered in long brown feathers, this endangered species is a favorite treat for New Zealand opossums. The island is also home to unique kea parrots, which are distinguished by their curiosity, high intelligence and unexpected strength. A couple of decades ago, they were ruthlessly exterminated, as it was believed that they eat sheep. In fact, kea just really like to ride on lambs that arrived from Europe.

On the south coast of New Zealand, there are also small colonies of little penguins, which are quite difficult to track down. In addition to the above representatives of birds, the islands are inhabited by unique New Zealand thuja birds, ueki drummers, kakapo parrots, etc. Kiwi birds and other birds can be observed on Stewart Island. In the dense forests of New Zealand, you can find pigs, deer, rabbits and small kangaroos. Nature has saved New Zealand from reptiles, poisonous spiders and nasty mosquitoes.

Indigenous people

About 80% of the population are descendants of emigrants from Great Britain, 15% are Maori, another 5% are immigrants from Asia and the Pacific Islands. Of particular interest is, of course, the indigenous population, that is, the Maori tribes. Most of them have assimilated into English society and live in cities.

Maori is often cultivated folk customs and traditions for tourism purposes, for example, everyone can watch the famous “haka” martial dance for a certain price. Exhibitions of folk crafts and art are held throughout the country.

What should a tourist do in New Zealand?

The magical nature of New Zealand is the first and main point of every trip to the Land of the Long White Cloud. But apart from beautiful photos there are many more impressions to bring from New Zealand. So what is there to experience in New Zealand?

1. Ride on Swing Nevis - the largest swing in the world, located at a height of 160 meters above a rocky gorge.
2. Catch the shrimp with bamboo sticks.
3. Go skiing on the New Zealand "Alps", and then plunge into the hot thermal spring.
4. See how two oceans converge on the North Island.
5. See the tuatara (il tuatara) - the oldest reptile genetically related to dinosaurs.

Something you probably haven't heard of!

• Previously, the Maori were considered one of the most cruel and hardy peoples, as they practiced cannibalism, cut off the heads of enemies and tattooed their entire faces with sharp incisors.
• Filming of the Lord of the Rings trilogy took place in New Zealand.
• New Zealanders call themselves Kiwis.
• New Zealand is the first country to give women the right to vote.
• The unique landscapes, bird species and other natural features of New Zealand are carefully protected. For example, it is almost impossible to burn fires anywhere, even an apple core is prohibited from importing into the country (not to mention seeds, plants and animals).

If you are tired of the frantic pace of megacities, concrete jungles, crowdedness and dullness, if you are looking for extreme adventures, are fond of photography and want to surprise your friends with images of unusual landscapes - New Zealand, whose nature and population are unique, will bring a lot of positive emotions and vivid impressions for a lifetime .

The state of New Zealand is located mainly on the South and North Islands, separated by the Cook Strait, also includes territorially about 700 small islands, including uninhabited ones in the central region of the Polynesian triangle.

Geographic characteristics

The state covers an area of ​​268,680 square kilometers, and the length of the coastline is more than 15 thousand kilometers. The largest is the South Island, where a quarter of the country's population lives.

According to the latest data, more than 4.5 million people live in the state, and most of them are Caucasians of various nationalities.

Nature

The mountain peaks of the Alps deserve the greatest attention, among which the highest is Mount Cook, which has the official name Aoraki. In addition to it, on the territory of the South Island alone there are 18 major peaks with a height of more than 3 thousand meters.

The highest point on the North Island is the Ruapehu volcano, which is this moment is active, and reaches a height of 2797 meters. The North Island itself is less densely populated, and has 5 of New Zealand's 6 dangerous volcanic zones within its territory...

New Zealand has a large number of lakes and rivers, large and small, there are more than 3 thousand lakes. The largest lake state is located in the central part of the North Island and is called Taupo, a mirror area of ​​​​616 km 2, there is a lake in the caldera of an extinct volcano.

It is from Lake Taupo that the Waikato River originates - the most long river countries with a length of 425 km ...

From the west, Zealand is washed by the Tasman Sea, which separates it from Australia, and in the East, the coast goes around the Pacific Ocean, connecting their waters with the Cook Strait. The territorial waters of the state are 12 nautical miles, which exceeds the territory of the land of New Zealand. In the ocean near the main islands there are many small land formations, most of which are completely unsuitable for human habitation ...

The flora of the state includes approximately 2,000 varieties of plants, and forests are represented on the territory of the islands, both subtropical and evergreen. IN Lately green spaces have been greatly reduced, since the industrial development of New Zealand's land uses quite actively the country's natural resources. It is necessary to restore clearings with the help of artificial plantings.

The natural fauna of New Zealand is unique and full of unique species of rodents and birds. Until recently, mammals were completely absent on the territory of these islands, and appeared only along with the process of development of these lands by the colonialists. The sea is rich in fish, and has up to 3 thousand species...

The North Island has a subtropical climate, which gradually becomes temperate towards the South Island. The mountain ranges are characterized by a rather harsh and cold alpine climate, and the mountains themselves cover the territory of the South Island from warm western winds...

Resources

There are quite a lot of gas and oil deposits on the territory of the state, as well as reserves of gold and coal. Silver and iron sandstone can be found in some places. The country is rich in deposits of natural metals, lime resources and other minerals. However, the number of fossils is not large enough to become the basis for economic development countries...

On the territory of New Zealand, due to good climatic conditions, agriculture is well developed, as well as the food industry and tourism. They are the main sources of income for the state budget. The country actively cooperates with largest states world, exporting their products there.

culture

The country speaks two languages ​​- Maori and English. It is English that is used for everyday communication and business meetings, but Maori is officially recognized as the second state language, and the policy is aimed at increasing its significance for the people of New Zealand in order to preserve the Polynesian culture.

Quite frequent interracial and interethnic marriages take place on the territory of the country, which forms in the state a fairly loyal attitude towards the traditions of various peoples. Europeans make up 75% here, and Maori - 14.7%. Other nationalities are represented by smaller communities. Most people adhere to Christianity, although there are quite a large number of other religions ...

1. GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS
New Zealand - Island state in the southern hour
Pacific Ocean, approximately 1930 km southeast of
Australia. The settlement of New Zealand by the Maori tribes from-
worn to the X-XIV centuries. Discovered by a Dutch navigator
A. Tasman in the 17th century. In the 19th century English colonization began
New Zealand ^ declared a colony in 1840), met
stubborn Maori resistance (. Maori wars
1843-1872). In 1907 New Zealand received the status
dominion. From the 30s. 20th century are in power alternately
National Party (founded 1936) and Labor
(finally took shape in the party in 1916).
New Zealand is now an independent state in
part of the Commonwealth, led by Great Britain, one
of the founding members of the UN. Most of the settlers in
New Zealand over the past century and a half have been bri-
Ghanaians, but after 1945 there is an influx of immigrants from
Yugoslavia, the Netherlands, from the islands of the South Pacific
ocean, and more recently from Asia. Native people -
Maori make up 14.5% of the population and their cultural heritage
more and more asserted as an integral part of the culture of the country
New Zealand is known for its magnificent mountains
mi landscapes, developed animal husbandry and progressive
social legislation. New Zealand area
268,021 sq. km This country includes two large islands -
Northern (113,729 sq. km), where approximately 3/4
population, and the South (150,437 sq. km), as well as a number of smaller
of the islands - Stewart (1680 sq. km) at the southern tip
the South Islands, the Chatham Islands (963 sq. km) and several
more remote with a total area of ​​1015 sq. km; of them one
a group of any significant size -
Auckland Islands (567 sq. km). The permanent population has
only the Kermadec Islands to Kzmpbell, on which the
we are weather stations. The jurisdiction of New Zealand includes:
same Tokelau (a group of three small atolls in the southern part
Pacific Ocean) and the Antarctic sector in the area of ​​the Ross Sea (with
coastal land and nearby islands). Population - 3.8 million
people (2000), mainly descendants of the British
settlers. Urban population 76% (1991; official languages)
ki - English and Maori. Most believers are protesters
tents. Administrative-territorial division: 92 counts
stva. The capital is Wellington (Wellington). The country is included in
Commonwealth. Head of state - Queen of Great Britain -
Institute, represented by the Governor General. Legislative
body - Parliament (House of Representatives).
2. NATURE IN NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand stretches for more than 1600 km, its maximum
naya width is 450 km. Mountainous and hilly terrain prevails;
more than 3/4 of the territory is located above 200 m above sea level.
Plains occupy about 10% total area.
140 Geography
South Island. In the western part of the island rises
a chain of folded mountains - the Southern Alps. Here is located
covered with a snow cap of the city of Cook, the highest point of the New
Zealand (3754 m). At least 233 other peaks rise
above 2300 m. There are 360 ​​glaciers in the mountains; larger-
Some of them are Tasmana, Franz Joseph and Fox. In the Pleistocene
new ice ages glaciers were more powerful
and repeatedly descended to the Canterbury Plain for
east coast and occupied a significant part of the modern
in the southern province of Otago. For these areas, the character-
are deep U-shaped valleys, strongly dissected
eph and cold elongated lakes - Te Anau, Manapo-
uri, Wakatipu and Javea. The Canterbury Plain is the most
a wide lowland in New Zealand with an eye-length
lo 320 km and a width of 64 km - located in the east of the island.
It is composed of powerful pebbles covered with a layer of thin
grainy sands and clay up to 3 m thick.
tany wide valleys of glacier-fed rivers - Waimaka-
riri, Rakaia and Rangitata, whose waters are usually only partially
but fill the pebble-lined bed. The longest
the river of the South Island and the most full-flowing within the New
Zealand - Kluta (322 km), draining the Otago plateau.
North Island. The mountain system of the South Island, pre-
tearing through the narrow Cook Strait, continues on the North
island by the Tararua, Ruahine, Kaimanawa and Huiarau ranges. TO
north and west of the Kaimanawa ridge extends a plateau,
covered with volcanic ash, lava and pumice deposits
yami. Three volcanic peaks rise above it - Ruape-
hu (2797 m above sea level), Tongariro (1968 m above sea level)
German sea) and Ngauruhoe (2290 m above sea level). West
from the plateau rises the symmetrical Mount Egmont (2518 m above
sea ​​level) prevailing in this part of the country. Generally
mountainous and hilly terrain occupies 63% of the area of ​​the North
island.
The most extensive areas of the lowlands are located
we are at the foot of Mount Egmont, near the city of Palmerston-
North (Manawatu - Horofenua), near the lake. Wairarapa, the cities of Ga-
Milton and Morrinsville (Waikato - Hauraki), as well as wok-
district of Auckland. Small flat areas are also
in Northland along the shores of the bays of Plenty and Hawk. In the center
The North Island is home to New Zealand's largest
landia lake - Taupo (area 606 sq. km, depth about
159 m). The longest river in the country flows from it -
Waikato (425 km). Around Rotorua and Wairakei meet
hot springs, geysers and mud "boilers". In Wairakei
geothermal steam is used to generate electricity
gee. On far north the islands are vast fields
sand dunes. In some places along the west coast on the beach
zhakh there are outcrops of ferruginous sands.
Earthquakes. Compared to other countries, the
laid within the Pacific seismic
jar, the level of seismic activity in New Zealand is not
high Although in some areas earthquakes are weak
shocks occur quite often, they are only occasionally
lead to destruction. Tremors of 7 on the Richter scale
occur on average no more than once every 10 years. Nai-
high seismic activity is observed in the Northern
island roughly east and south of the imaginary line
between Whakatane and Havera, as well as on the South Island to the north
py from the line connecting Cape Fowlwind with the peninsula
Banks. Samos devastating earthquake registered
wano near Napier in 1931
Climate. New Zealand has an even and humid climate.
(subtropical marine). The seasonal temperature difference is not
large, it rains a lot, but there is a lack of sunshine
days is also not felt, Average temperatures in July from 5 to
12°С, January from -14 to -19°С. Precipitation 400-700 mm per year, on
windward slopes of mountains 2000-5000 mm. Climatic
lovia vary from one region of the country to another.
but this is due to the significant longitudinal extent
New Zealand, leading to the fact that in its extreme north
the climate is warm and humid, without frost, a i- in the extreme south
in the interior of the island - cold and dry. Define-
also play a role mountain ranges located on
west and in the center of the islands and protecting the eastern coasts
zhya from the winds blowing from the west. Overall in the South Island
the climate is more severe than in the North, due to the remoteness from
equator, proximity to cold seas and large absolute
heights. Especially cold and strong winds blow
much of the year in the highlands of the Obon Islands, where
the main amount of precipitation falls in VShch;E snow. Nacap-
pouring, it forms glaciers. Almost the entire population of the country
lives in territories located below S0O m above the level
him the sea, so the eternal snows do not cause him any
anxiety. On the west coast of the South Island, the climate
very humid, annual rainfall exceeds 2000 mm.
The plains of Canterbury are much drier and the times are windy and windy
then hot and dry northwestern winds of the foehn type,
cold, rainy south winds. On everything
North Island, except for inland highlands, and summer
And the winters are mild, throughout its territory the fall of the dates is moderate
or heavy rainfall.
natural vegetation. 100 years after 1850
New Zealand has been transformed from a wooded country into a
rum pasture. Now only 29% of its territory is occupied by forests.
torii (7.9 million hectares), of which 6.4 million hectares are natural
preserved forests and another 1.5 mln. ha - artificial plantations
denia (mainly Pinus radiata pines). Out of more than a hundred
there are only a few species of trees growing here
have economic importance, including four types of conifers -
nykh - cypress dacridium, totar's legs, blizzard
chat and dacridium, - and one broad-leaved species -
notophagus (southern beech). Famous and once widely
extensive forests of New Zealand agathis are now preserved
nibbled only in reserves in the north of the North Island.
During the development of the country by Europeans, vast areas
di in New Zealand, especially in the South Island, were
nyaty tall-grass turf grasslands. On the se-
today they are preserved only in the mountains, and on the plains
nahs are replaced by pastures from introduced European
grasses (chaff, hedgehogs, fescue) and clover. in the east
North Island is still quite widespread
communities of the native danthonia cereal.
Soils. In general, New Zealand soils are poor in humus and
.infertile. Everywhere, with the exception of periodically
flooded and silt-covered areas, for
you require the conservation of productive pastures; inflict pain-
the amount of fertilizer. The most common
soil types in New Zealand are brown-se-
rye, yellow-gray and yellow-brown. The first are typical for su-
khikh intermountain basins about. Southern with a cereal plant -
that receive less than 500 mm of precipitation. The areas occupied by them
shchadi are used mainly as sheep pasture
bisch and only occasionally for agriculture. In more evil areas
New Zealand 141
tyah, transitional from cereal steppes to mixed forests, and in
lower part of the eastern slopes of the mountains, yellow-
gray soils. They are more fertile and are used for in-
intensive agriculture (for example, on the Canterbury Equal
Nina) and as pastures. For wetter areas
dissected hilly terrain and forest vegetation
Tew are characterized by strongly leached poor yellow-brown
soil. In some places in such areas on the clay crust, weathered
gley-podzolic soils (“pakihi”) are developed, as,
for example, in Westland on the South Island, or subtropical
clayey soils common under pine forests
kauri in Northland. In the profile of such soils at a small depth
binet lies a dense waterproof horizon, difficult
nyaya drainage and plowing.
About 6 million hectares are occupied by various azonal and
intrazonal soils, the properties of which are determined by
Terinskaya breed. These are fertile soils developed on
volcanic ash in the central part of the North Island,
peaty soils of the Waikato Valley, alluvial soils
river valleys, as well as the soils of drained areas of the sea
coast. Almost half of the country's area (13 million Ta) is covered by
take mountain soils, usually thin and underdeveloped,
often rubble. About 1.6 million hectares of them are
upper belt of mountains, practically devoid of vegetation. By-
soils on slopes are prone to erosion, so burning and
cutting down the forests and turf grasslands that covered them
in many places led to disastrous results.
Fauna. Animal world New Zealand is similar to the fau-
some other regions of the Southern Hemisphere, here
there are endemic species and even genera and, apart from
two species of bats, there are no placental mammals
hoarding. The birds are the most interesting. Only here find
the remains of extinct moas, or dinornis, gigantic non-legal
melting birds, some species of which reached 3.6 m
height. They were completely exterminated, probably around
500 years ago. Flightless kiwis still live in the forests,
which are depicted on the emblem of the country. Other flightless
bird - New Zealand sultan, or takahe - was considered
extinct, but in 1948 it was rediscovered. In New
Zealand - 10 national parks (Mount Cook, Tongari-
ro, Fjordlenl and others), 2 marine park, numerous re-
reserve.

Visitors to New Zealand are amazed by the beauty of its nature and there is a feeling that it was created in order to amaze with its beauties.

Everything here is unusual and very interesting. The shores of the islands are washed by the waters of the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean, bordered picturesque rocks and sandy shores. The largest bays include: Canterbury, Hauraki, Tasman, Hawk, and Plenty.

Three-fourths of the area of ​​the Maori islands is occupied by mountains, hills and highlands. Low land areas are located here along the ocean coast of the South Island and in the river valleys on the North Island. In the central part of which there is a Volcanic Plateau, with actively pronounced seismic activity. Earthquakes here happen about 100-200 times a year. There are also hot mineral springs, geysers, active volcanoes. Tourists love to bring original gifts in the form of pieces of lava from these places.

On the territory of the North Island of New Zealand, the climate is subtropical - maritime, on the South Island - temperate. average temperature in winter (July) on the North Island: +12°C and +5°C, and on the South Island in summer (January): +19°C and +14°C, respectively. It rains throughout the year, but snow falls only on the hills. The total glaciation area of ​​the Southern Alps is 1000 square kilometers, and to the most large glaciers include the Franz Josef, Tasman and Fox glaciers.

^Inland waters

The rivers of the Kiwi Islands are truly beautiful. They take their full-flowing beginning in the mountains of the islands. The largest and richest hydropower in this country is the navigable Waikato River, located on the North Island. Its length is 354 kilometers. New Zealand is also famous for its lakes of glacial, tectonic and volcanic origin.

And Lake Taupo, located on the North Island, due to its area (612 sq. Km), is considered the largest in all of Oceania.

^Soil and flora

The soil zones of the emerald islands are diverse. Here you can find yellow soils in subtropical regions, black soils on the Canterbury Plains, chestnut soils on the South Island, as well as mountain-meadow and mountain-forest soils in the mountainous regions of the country.

About 24 percent (6 million hectares) of the total area in New Zealand is occupied by forests. Of which most are local plants: tarairo, rimu, namakhi, kauri, and a smaller one - introduced species: poplars, cypresses, pines. 75% of local vegetation species are unique and endemic. The majority of perennial, evergreen species of plant flora prevail.

^Animals of New Zealand

The fauna of the country is considered the most ancient in the world. She is poor in mammals. There are so few of them here that you can count them all: bats, rats, dogs. Of the reptiles, the hatteria or tuatara is interesting - an animal of the beak-headed order. Deforestation had a detrimental effect on the flora of the country, during which plant communities were destroyed and entire populations of birds and animals were destroyed. As a result, many have become rare and are subject to state protection: the owl parrot, the Sultan's chicken, shepherds, kiwi. There are nine national parks on the territory of the country, and some islands around New Zealand have been turned into reserves for animals and birds. The largest national park in the country is Fiordland, located on the South Island.