New Zealand

Context

In the context of strengthening bilateral trade relations, India and New Zealand are set to sign a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that will eliminate tariffs on 100% of India’s exports to New Zealand.

New Zealand

1. The country mainly consists of two large landmasses – the North Island and the South Island, which are divided by the Cook Strait.
2. It is a sovereign island nation in the Oceania region, located in the South Pacific Ocean.
3. Its capital city is Wellington.
4. The main indigenous people (tribal groups) of New Zealand are the Maori people.

Physical Geography of New Zealand

1. Geographically, it lies southeast of Australia and south of island groups such as New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga.
2. The highest peak in the country is Aoraki / Mount Cook, which rises to about 3,724 metres (12,316 feet).
3. The Southern Alps are a major mountain range located in New Zealand’s South Island.
4. It lies within the Pacific Ring of Fire, a zone known for frequent earthquakes & volcanic activity.
5. The climate ranges from warm subtropical in the northern regions to cool temperate in the southern parts.
6. The largest natural lake is Lake Taupō, an important freshwater feature.
7. The country also has significant natural resources, including gold, silver, iron sands, phosphate and limestone.
8. One of its most active volcanic features is Mount Ruapehu.
9. The largest glacier in the country is the Tasman Glacier.