Cook Islands Celebrate Constitution Day

 Events
Aug 042025
 

Flag of Cook Islands

Cook Islands celebrate Constitution Day. In 1965 the populace approved a constitution that gives them autonomy in free association with New Zealand. The area of the fifteen islands is about 1.3 times the size of Washington, DC. The northern islands are coral atolls, and the southern islands are vestiges of volcanic activity. About 10,500 people live there, mostly on the southern islands. The capital is Avarua. The islands are named after Captain James Cook, who saw one of the islands in 1793.

Antarctic Treaty Was Signed by Twelve Nations in 1959

 Events
Dec 012025
 

Antarctic Research Facility

Antarctic Treaty was signed by twelve nations in 1959. The original twelve countries are: Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Chile, France, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Soviet Union, South Africa, United Kingdom, and United States. Today 50 countries recognize the treaty. The continent will be kept as a scientific preserve, and no nation can colonize it. Children can learn about the Antarctic Treaty at: Antarctic Treaty. They can view great pictures of Antarctic animals at: Antarctic Animals.

Nauru Celebrates Independence Day

 Events
Jan 312026
 
Nauru

Flag of Nauru

Nauru celebrates Independence Day. It gained its independence from a United Nations Trusteeship managed by Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom in 1968. Nauru is a small island, only 8.1 square miles (one-tenth the size of Washington, DC), and supports about 10,000 inhabitants. Yaren is the capital. The interior used to hold reserves of phosphates, used to make fertilizers. However, the phosphates have been exhausted. Located just south of the equator in Micronesia, the country has a tropical climate.

New Zealand Remembers Waitangi Day

 Events
Feb 062026
 

New ZealandNew Zealand remembers Waitangi Day. In 1840 the Maori and the Europeans signed the Treaty of Waitangi, permitting Great Britain to develop New Zealand. About the size of the state of Colorado, New Zealand is comprised of mostly mountains with some coastal plains. Slightly over four million people live on the islands. Wellington is the capital. The country exports dairy products, meat, wool, and wood products. The kiwi is native to New Zealand. Children can learn more at: New Zealand.