Text 7: New Zealand

New Zealand is a country in the south-western Pacific Ocean. It comprises two large islands (the North and the South Islands) and numerous smaller islands. New Zealand is separated from Australia by the Tasman Sea. The total land areais 268,680 km². The country has extensive marine resources. The islands are mountainous and are also marked by volcanoes. The highest peak is Mount Cook.

The capital city is Wellington. The population is about 4.2 mln. New Zealand has three official languages: New Zealand English, the Maori language, and New Zealand Sign Language. In practice only English is widely used.

New Zealand has a developed economy and a high standard of living. Principal export industries are agriculture, gardening, fishing, and forestry. Tourism plays a significant role in New Zealand's economy. It contributes almost 9% to New Zealand’s total GDP. The most developed industries are machinery, textile, furniture, and food industry.

New Zealand is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy. Queen Elizabeth II is the Queen of New Zealand. The Queen’s position is largely symbolic. She is represented by the Governor-General. Political power is held by the Parliament of New Zealand and the Prime Minister.

The legislature is represented by Parliament, which has only one chamber, the House of Representatives. Parliamentary general elections are held every three years. The leading political parties of the country are the Labour Party, New Zealand First, etc.

The Prime Minister is leader of Parliament as well as Head of Government. The Cabinet is the most senior policy-making body and is led by the Prime Minister.

The Governor-General has the power to appoint and dismiss the Prime Ministers and to dissolve Parliament. The Governor-General also chairs the Executive Council. The Executive Council is a formal committee of all the Crown ministers.

New Zealand's judiciary includes the Supreme Court of New Zealand (the highest court); the High Court; the Court of Appeal; and subordinate courts.

New Zealand is a member of the following geopolitical organisations: APEC, East Asia Summit, the Commonwealth of Nations, and the United Nations.

Questions for discussion:

1. What is the area of New Zealand?
2. What is the capital of New Zealand?

3. What is the population New Zealand?

1. What are the official languages of New Zealand?
2. What are the most developed industries of New Zealand?
3. Who is the head of New Zealand?
4. Who is the Governor-General and what are his/her functions?
5. What are the leading political parties of New Zealand?
6. What is the Executive Council?
7. What international organisations is New Zealand a member of?

Дата добавления: 2015-10-16