We drive on the left and speak English (or rather New Zild).
The population is about 4.2 million. Of those 1.4 million live in Auckland and most of the rest in towns and cities - mostly on the east coast. Large areas are almost uninhabited.
NZ depends on international trade, mainly with Australia, the European Union, the US, China, South Korea and Japan. 70% of our exports are primary produce especially dairy, but also meat, logs, fruit, seafood, and wine. Tourism is also an important part of the economy.
The three largest cities are Auckland (1 397 300) in the North Island, the captial Wellington (395 600) and in the South Island, Christchurch (375 900).
Auckland is sub-tropical which means it is pretty warm (averaging 5°-15° in winter and 12°-24° in summer). It also means it is pretty wet - with plenty of rain and high humidity. (Mean annual rainfall is 1240mm)
Temperatures in Christchurch are mild. On average 3°-12° in winter, 12°-22° in summer. The coldest temperatures are found inland in the south - for example Alexandra averages -2°-8° in winter - but averages 11°-24° in summer. And unlike Auckland it is a dry heat.
