New Zealand

New Zealand is an island country in the south-west Pacific Ocean. The country is situated on two main islands (the North Island and the South Island) and several small islands.

The population of New Zealand is 4, 141, 000 people. About 85% of the population is classified as Europeans. About 12 per cent of the country’s population are Maoris.

The country was discovered by Europeans in 1642.

New Zealand is a land of great contrasts and diversity. There are many rivers, lakes and mountains in the country. New Zealand has unique vegetation and animal life, much of it developing during the country's prolonged isolation.

The capital of New Zealand is Wellington. Now it’s a financial, educational and cultural centre. New Zealand is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. Like the United Kingdom New Zealand is a constitutional monarchy. Officially, the head of the state is the British Queen whose representative, the governor-general, is appointed for a five-year term.

The Parliament consists of one House only, the House of Representatives. There are two main political parties, National and Labour. New Zealand is predominantly an English-speaking country, though both English and Maori are official languages. The Maori language is taught at a number of schools.

The largest cities of the country are Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Dunedin, Christchurch and others. Moreover, Auckland and Wellington are considered to be the main ports of the country.

New Zealand has one of the highest standards of living in the world. New Zealand is one of the world’s developed countries. The main industries of the country are agriculture, manufacturing and service industries. Paper and steel industries are highly developed too. New Zealand draws many thousands of tourists to its shores because of the beauty, diversity, and compactness of its natural attractions.

2. Ответьте на следующие вопросы:

1. Where is New Zealand situated?

2. What is the population of New Zealand?

3. When was New Zealand discovered by Europeans?

4. What is the capital of the country?

5. What are the official languages of the country?

Выпишите из текста предложения в страдательном залоге и определите временную форму сказуемого.

Соотнесите две части предложения по смыслу.

A Б

1. New Zealand is a member of … a. Wellington.

2. New Zealand is an island country … b. Maoris.

3. The capital of the country is … c. by Europeans

in 1642.

4. About 12 per cent of the country’s population are … e. the Com-

monwealth of

Nations.

5. The country was discovered … d. in the south-

west Pacific Ocean.