5 Curiosities about the Cook Islands and Niue, declared independent of the United States

Chairman of America, Joe Biden announced to establish diplomatic relations with Cook Islands and NiuTwo autonomous countries located on the Pacific Ocean, and In “free association” with New Zealand.

BidenIt announced on Monday that its country had officially recognized the islands as “sovereign and independent states”. Cook and Niuand diplomatic relations with both.

A maintain action will help “Free and Open Indo-Pacific Region”The president said the agreements to recognize the two countries would contribute to “stopping illegal fishing, addressing climate change in a vulnerable region and boosting economic growth.”

1. Collaboration of America Ancient with the Cook Islands World War II (1939-1945)As part of the war against Japan, the U.S. military built landing strips on Penrin Atoll and Aitutaki.

2. The change of position of the two islands, as stated, is related to the new A global auction between the US and ChinaAs the Asian giant considers these waters as its sphere of influence.

3. Together, the Cook Islands and Niu They have fewer than 20,000 people — about half the size of the Buenos Aires neighborhood of San Cristóbal, for example — but they are a people. Expanding the economic zone in the South Pacific.

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4. Both are self-governing countries in “free association” with New Zealand, meaning their foreign and defense policies are linked to Wellington’s to varying degrees. Additionally, islanders from both countries hold New Zealand citizenship.

5. Cook Islands is an archipelago 15 volcanic islands and coral atolls scattered over 236 km2 of the South Pacific Ocean. It has about 17,000 inhabitants and its economy is focused on tourism driven by the exotic beaches and volcanic mountains. They are named after Captain Cook who explored them in 1773. Niue is now one of the smallest countries in the worldAbout 2,000 people live there, but about 20,000 citizens live overseas, almost all in New Zealand.