Interesting New Zealand Facts
New Zealand is an island country located in Southern Oceania (region) where it is bordered by the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea. It spans 270,469 km2 of land. The approximate population of New Zealand is over 4,705,818.
Find out interesting New Zealand facts and information about this Oceanian country with our fact file for kids. Discover important facts about the climate, currency, flag, continent, geography, landscape, language, people, culture, landmarks, population, location and size of New Zealand.
Journey through Oceania (region) with our interesting New Zealand facts for kids based on questions such as: What continent is New Zealand in? What color is the flag of New Zealand? What is the culture of New Zealand like? What is the climate like in New Zealand? What are the major cities of New Zealand?
New Zealand Fact File: Continent: Oceania (region) * Country Name(s): New Zealand * Location: Southern Oceania (region) * Bordering: the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea * Capital City: Wellington * Size: 270,469 km2 * Estimated Population: over 4,705,818 * Currency: New Zealand dollar (NZD) * Language(s): English, Maori, New Zealand Sign Language * Country Code: +64
Interesting New Zealand Facts for Kids
Interesting Facts for Kids 1: Size & location facts
New Zealand belongs to the continent of Oceania (region), it is classed as an island country and is situated in the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea in Southern Oceania (region). There are seven continents in the world: Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Europe, Antarctica, Australia (Oceania). Australia (plus Oceania) is the smallest continent in the world, it has 14 countries, stretches across a total area size of 9,008,500 km2 and forms 5.9% of the landmass of the world. Oceania is a geographical region that includes the continent of Australia. The continent of Australia comprises of mainland Australia, Tasmania, New Guinea, New Britain, and numerous small adjacent islands. New Zealand is not located on the continent of Australia. However, Australasia is a region of Oceania that includes New Zealand, Australia and Melanesia. Many of the Pacific island countries are located in subregions of Oceania. The subregions are defined as Micronesia, Melanesia and Polynesia. New Zealand is an island country that spans across a total area of approximately 270,469 km2. It is the fourth largest country by area in Oceania. Australia occupies a land area of around 7.6 milion km2 making it by far the largest country in Oceania.
Interesting Facts for Kids 2: Population facts
The population of this Oceanian country is over 4,705,818 people. The majority of New Zealand's inhabitants reside in Auckland which is the country's most populous city. New Zealand has an average population when compared to most other countries across the world, its overall population density is approximately 16 people per sq km. The estimated population of Oceania (region) is approximately 39,331,000 inhabitants, making it the continent with the smallest population in the world (excluding Antarctica). The continents in order of population, starting with highest population first, are: Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Europe, Australia (Oceania Region) and Antarctica. The total population of the entire world is in excess of 7.6 billion people.
Interesting Facts for Kids 3: Capital & major cities
The capital of New Zealand is Wellington. The names of other major cities located in this country are Auckland, Christchurch, Manukau, Waitakere and Hamilton.
Interesting Facts for Kids 4: Country borders
The following information provides a guideline to the approximate border lengths of New Zealand:
Coastline 15,134 km.
Interesting Facts for Kids 5: Climate and geography facts
New Zealand has a temperate climate for the most part, with coastal areas maintaining moderate temperatures and rainfall, and plenty of sunshine. In contrast, some areas inland, such as the alpine regions, can experience very cold temperatures. The geography of New Zealand is formed majorly of two main islands known as South Island and North Island. South island is characterized by mountainous regions and coastal plains. The largest active stratovolcano in New Zealand is Mount Ruapehu which is situated on North Island. A volcanic plateau dominates central North Island. The lowest point of New Zealand is the Pacific Ocean at 0m, and the highest point of elevation is Aoraki-Mount Cook at 3,724m.
Interesting Facts for Kids 6: Natural Resources of New Zealand
Natural resources can be defined as materials and substances that occur naturally on Earth. Natural resources are very important across the world, and can be exploited for economic gain. The level of resources that occur naturally in an individual country are influenced by varying factors such as the geography, climate and location of that country. Some countries are very rich in natural resources, where as others have limited to none. Countries that have particularly rich resources include Russia, The United States, Saudi Arabia and Canada. Food, construction and transport are three primary examples of uses of natural resources. The following information provides examples of these uses: fish occurs naturally in streams, rivers, lakes and oceans, and can be caught for food consumption. Wood/timber can be extracted from forests for construction purposes, i.e. to build homes and furniture. Crude oils can be refined into different kinds of fuels in order to power vehicles/cars. The natural resources of New Zealand include natural gas, iron ore, sand, coal, timber, hydropower (water power), gold and limestone.
Interesting Facts for Kids 7: Language facts
The official languages of New Zealand are English and Maori. English (de facto offical)is spoken by the overwhelming majority of the population. Maori (de jure official) is used as a first language by less than 5 percent of the overall population. A small percentage of the population speak other languages as their primary form of communication, such languages include Samoan, Hindi, French and Yue.
Interesting Facts for Kids 8: Religion facts
The primary religion of New Zealand is Christian at approximately 44% of the population, with the major religions being Roman Catholic, Anglican, and Presbyterian and Congregational. Around 2% are Hindu, 1% Buddhist, 1% Maori Christian and 1% Islam. The remaining population either belongs to other religions or no religion at all.
Interesting Facts for Kids 9: Symbols of New Zealand
Each country has its own individual culture, history and identity. Flags, emblems, symbols, colors, anthems, songs and mottos represent the national pride and identity of countries across the globe. These national symbols are formed through the unique history of a nation and are symbolic of both hardship and prosperity, embodying freedom, strength and unity. Flags, emblems, colors, songs and mottos reflect the past, present and future aspirations of a country, and create an important image to the rest of the world. National symbols can include a mixture of things that are symbolic to a nation such as wildlife, plants, geographical features, crops, tools of agriculture, and tools of war. The following facts and information provide a guide to some of the most important national symbols, songs and colors of New Zealand:
National symbol(s): Southern Cross constellation (four, five-pointed stars), kiwi (bird), silver fern
National colors: black, white, red (ochre)
National Anthem/Song: God Defend New Zealand
National Holiday(s): Waitangi Day 6 February (1840); ANZAC Day 25 April (1915)