New Zealand is a country shrouded in mystery and excitement. New Zealand is an island in South Oceania. It's called New Zealand for short. The capital is Wellington and the vast majority of the population speaks English. According to the CIA World Factbook, New Zealand has a population of approximately 4,365,113 citizens as of July 2013. There are many different perspectives on New Zealand's land, society and economic systems. New Zealand has a rich history. It was first settled in 1200 AD by a group of people called Maori. The Maori brought foods such as sweet potatoes, kumara and taro. An explorer named Abel Tasman was the first European to see New Zealand on December 13, 1642. The next explorer to come was James Cook in 1769. The French came next, and after that the French waited 20 years before traveling to New Zealand would become usual. . They became a colony of England and gained independence on September 26, 1907. This was when the government of New Zealand really began to develop. New Zealand has a "parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth government". The head of government is the Prime Minister, currently John Key. The Head of State is Queen Elizabeth II, represented by the Governor General, Lt. Gen. Sir Jerry Mateparae. The head of the judicial branch is the Supreme Court, headed by five justices. In New Zealand, voter registration is compulsory, although voting is not compulsory. Suffrage is universal at the age of 18. The national anthem is called God Defend New Zealand. Government and economics go hand in hand. New Zealand's economy is also very interesting. GDP per capita is $30,400. The currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZD). One NZD is equivalent to $1.25 in USD. Agriculture includes dairy, beef, fish, lamb, wool,... center of the card... abeth II's birthday, Labor Day, Christmas and Boxing Day. Anzac Day is a holiday commemorating the armed forces of New Zealand and Australia. Anzac stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. It is popular to buy and wear poppies. Profits go to the military. Waitangi Day is a holiday celebrating the anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840 by the English and Maori. People will relax and have barbecue that day with neighbors and family. Christmas takes place in the summer in New Zealand, so it's a popular time for holidays and the ever-popular Barbie. There are many physical, social and professional aspects of New Zealand. New Zealand is a truly amazing country with even more amazing people. You should find a way to capture the essence of New Zealand's serenity and adventure to bring it into your life.