New Zealand

New Zealand is an island nation in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, made up of two main islands — the North Island and the South Island — plus over 600 smaller islands. It is one of the most geographically dramatic countries on Earth, combining volcanic plateaus, geothermal hot springs, towering mountain ranges (including the Southern Alps), ancient glaciers, deep fjords, and beautiful sandy beaches. New Zealand sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire and has about 50 active volcanoes.

New Zealand gained worldwide fame as the filming location for Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings and Hobbit film trilogies — the country's spectacular landscapes perfectly recreated Tolkien's Middle-earth. Tourism is one of New Zealand's most important industries. The country is also a major producer and exporter of dairy products, lamb, wool, and wine — New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc from the Marlborough region is celebrated worldwide.

With a population of around 5 million people, New Zealand is one of the world's most multicultural societies, shaped by Māori culture (the indigenous Polynesian people who arrived over 700 years ago), British colonial heritage, and more recent immigration from Asia and the Pacific Islands. The All Blacks rugby team is one of the most successful sporting teams in history, and the haka — the traditional Māori war dance performed before matches — is recognised worldwide. Football (soccer) is a growing sport and the Football Ferns are one of the Pacific's most competitive women's teams.