Quick facts
Capital
Wellington
Population
5,324,700
Region
Australia and New Zealand
Currency
New Zealand dollar (NZD)
Language
English, Māori, New Zealand Sign Language
Interesting Facts About New Zealand
- New Zealand comprises two main landmasses—the North Island and the South Island—plus over 700 smaller islands.
- The country's capital is Wellington, while Auckland is the most populous city with over 1.4 million residents.
- Around 76.4% of New Zealand's population lives in the North Island, with the remaining 23.6% in the South Island.
- New Zealand is predominantly urban, with 84.5% of the population living in urban areas.
- In the 2023 census, 62.1% of residents identified as ethnically New Zealand European, while 17.8% identified as Māori.
- The population has become significantly more multicultural in recent decades—in 1961, the population was 92% European and 7% Māori.
- Auckland is home to 33% of New Zealand's total population but contains 62% of the country's Pasifika population and 60% of its Asian population.
- The informal term 'Kiwi' is commonly used both internationally and by locals as a demonym for New Zealand citizens.
View Wellington guide
Wellington
Capital of New Zealand