Population
The population is mostly of European descent, with the indigenous Maori being the largest minority. Non-Maori Polynesian and Asian people are also significant minorities, especially in the cities. The population of New Zealand is about 4.1 million, with approximately 3 million people living on the North Island, and 1 million on the South Island (June 2005). Auckland is the most populous region in the country with over 1.3 million people. The Canterbury region is the most populous area on the South Island with over half a million residents.

Maori make up about 15% of the population, and are the indigenous people of New Zealand. Most Maori live in the North Island areas of Northland, Auckland city, the Bay of Plenty and the Waikato.

The groups of New Zealanders who are of European descent are collectively known as 'Pakeha'. The term means non Maoris. Most of the Pakeha have British and Irish ancestry though there are small percentages of Dutch, South Slav and Italian.

Religion
As recorded in 2001 census, the predominant religion in the country is Christianity. It accounts for a total of 60% of the total population of New Zealand. The main Christian denominations are Anglicanism, Roman Catholicism, Presbyterianism and Methodism. A significant number are there who identify themselves with the Pentecoastal and Baptist churches and with LDS church. Though significant sections do not profess any religion or faith, the minority sections include population who profess Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and Judaism.

Economy
New Zealand has a mixed economy which operates on free market principles. It has sizable manufacturing and service sectors complementing a highly efficient agricultural sector. The economy is strongly trade-oriented, with exports of goods and services accounting for around 33% of total output. New Zealand's economy has traditionally been based on a foundation of exports from its very efficient agricultural system. Leading agricultural exports include meat, dairy products, forest products, fruit and vegetables, fish, and wool.

New Zealand was a direct beneficiary of many of the reforms achieved under the Uruguay Round of trade negotiations, with agriculture in general and the dairy sector in particular enjoying many new trade opportunities. The country has substantial hydroelectric power and sizable reserves of natural gas. Leading manufacturing sectors are food processing, metal fabrication, and wood and paper products. Some manufacturing industries, essentially forms of import substitution, such as car assembly, have completely disappeared.

In the year to September 2003, the New Zealand economy recorded average annual growth of 3.9%. September quarter growth was 1.5% following a relatively weak result in the June quarter of 0.3% due in part to adverse climatic conditions and disruptions to international travel. New Zealand experienced a substantial improvement in inflation performance during the 1990s relative to previous decades. Annual inflation as measured by the Consumers Price Index (CPI) remained below 2% from the December 1991 quarter through to the September 1994 quarter before rising to around 4½% in mid-1995 as the economy experienced rapid growth.

Key Industries: Food Processing, Wood and Paper Products, Textiles, Machinery, Transportation Equipment, Banking and Insurance, Tourism and Mining.

Agricultural Products: Wheat, Barley, Potatoes, Pulses, Fruits, Vegetables, Wool, Beef, Lamb, Mutton, Dairy Products and Fish.

Export Commodities: Dairy Products, Meat, Wood, Wood Products, Fish and Machinery.

Import Commodities: Machinery and Equipment, Vehicles and Aircraft, Petroleum, Electronics, Textiles and Plastics.