Country Profile: New Zealand

New Zealand is a high-income, Pacific island nation characterized by its stunning geography, which includes two main islands and numerous smaller isles. With a population of approximately 5.2 million, it is rich in cultural diversity, primarily influenced by European and Māori heritages. The economy is robust, heavily reliant on agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism while navigating challenges such as productivity and fiscal deficits. Governed as a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy, New Zealand maintains a unique place on the global stage through its active international partnerships and military commitments.

Geography

New Zealand is located in Oceania, specifically southeast of Australia, and encompasses two main islands along with several smaller ones. The country covers an area of 268,838 square kilometers, characterized by predominantly mountainous terrain and a temperate climate with significant regional contrasts. Its coastline stretches 15,134 kilometers, and the nation experiences frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity due to its position on the Pacific Ring of Fire.

Area: 268,838 sq km
Major lakes: Lake Taupo, 610 sq km
Elevation: Aoraki/Mount Cook at 3,724 m (highest point)
Natural resources: Includes natural gas, coal, and hydropower
Urbanization: 87% of the population lives in urban areas (2023)

People and Society

With a population estimated at 5,161,211 in 2024, New Zealand exhibits a diverse ethnic composition, including 64.1% European and 16.5% Māori. The country has a high urbanization rate, with approximately 87% of its citizens living in urban settings, primarily on the North Island. There exists a rich tapestry of languages spoken, predominantly English, and a notable emphasis on education and health care.

Population: 5,161,211 (2024 est.)
Urban population: 87% of total population (2023)
Median age: 37.9 years (2024 est.)
Life expectancy: 82.9 years (2024 est.)
Birth rate: 12.6 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)

Economy

New Zealand's economy is high-income and globally integrated, with significant contributions from agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. For 2024, the real GDP is estimated to be around $257.117 billion, with a focus on recovery following the disruptions caused by the pandemic. Key challenges include addressing fiscal deficits and maintaining competitiveness in global markets.

GDP (PPP): $257.117 billion (2024 est.)
GDP per capita: $48,200 (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate: 4.9% (2024 est.)
Exports: $61.799 billion (2024 est.)
Key export partners: China (28%), USA (12%), Australia (12%) (2023)

Government

New Zealand is a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy, with the current Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at the helm since November 2023. The country has a unicameral legislature, the House of Representatives, comprising 120 seats. Notably, New Zealand has no single written constitution, relying on various statutes and conventions.

Capital: Wellington
Suffrage: Universal at age 18
Military expenditures: 1.2% of GDP (2024 est.)
Major political parties: National Party, Labour Party, Green Party
National holiday: Waitangi Day, commemorated on 6 February

Military and Security

The New Zealand Defense Force (NZDF) comprises the Army, Navy, and Air Force, with a commitment to maintaining sovereignty and engaging in international peacekeeping. Military expenditures account for about 1.2% of GDP in 2024, emphasizing New Zealand's strategic alliances, especially through the ANZUS treaty.

Active military personnel: Approximately 8,800 (2025 est.)
Military service age: 17 years (voluntary)
Participation in international missions: In Africa, Antarctica, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East
Major Non-NATO Ally status: With the US, since 2016

Energy

New Zealand boasts a comprehensive electricity access rate of 100%, utilizing a diverse mix of renewable and non-renewable resources. Hydroelectricity remains the dominant source of energy generation, providing nearly 60% of total installed capacity. The country is also making strides in expanding its renewable energy portfolio.

Installed capacity: 10.643 million kW (2023 est.)
Electricity consumption: 40.794 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Hydroelectricity: 59.7% of installed capacity (2023 est.)
Natural gas production: 3.97 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Coal production: 3.011 million metric tons (2023 est.)

Environment

Environmental challenges face New Zealand, including water quality concerns, urbanization, and habitat degradation due to invasive species. The country has committed to numerous international environmental agreements, focusing on biodiversity and climate change mitigation.

Forested area: 38.6% of land (2023 est.)
Urbanization rate: 0.92% annual increase (2020-2025 est.)
Total renewable water resources: 327 billion cubic meters (2022)
Municipal solid waste generated: 3.405 million tons annually (2024 est.)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	5,161,211	(2024 est.)
Area	268,838 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$257.117 billion	(2024 est.)
Unemployment rate	4.9%	(2024 est.)
Life expectancy	82.9 years	(2024 est.)
Birth rate	12.6 births/1,000 population	(2024 est.)
Electricity access	100%	(2022 est.)
Total energy consumption per capita	121.647 million Btu/person	(2023 est.)
Military expenditures	1.2% of GDP	(2024 est.)
Forest area	38.6% of land	(2023 est.)