Named after Captain Cook, who sighted them in 1770, the islands became a British protectorate in 1888. The emigration of skilled workers to New Zealand and government deficits are continuing problems.
Agriculture provides the economic base with major exports made up of copra and citrus fruit.
Manufacturing activities are limited to fruit-processing, clothing, and handicrafts. Trade deficits are made up for by remittances from emigrants and by foreign aid, overwhelmingly from New Zealand. Efforts to exploit tourism potential, encourage offshore banking, and expand the mining and fishing industries have been partially successful in stimulating investment and growth. Inc. All Rights Reserved.