FACTS

Location: Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about half way between Hawaii and New Zealand

Area (only Total: 236.7 sq km

Climate: tropical oceanic; moderated by trade winds; a dry season from April to November and a more humid season from December to March

Terrain: low coral atolls in north; volcanic, hilly islands in south

Population: 12,271 (July 2008 est.)

Main Language (only first): English

Government type: self-governing parliamentary democracy

Capital (Name): Avarua

Capital (Time Difference): UTC-10

Independence: 4 August 1965

National holiday: Constitution Day, first Monday in August