Cook Islands Government

The Cook Islands government is a self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand. It has its own elected Parliament and Prime Minister, responsible for domestic affairs like healthcare, education, and infrastructure. New Zealand manages defense and foreign relations, but the Cook Islands can make many decisions independently. The government operates under a constitutional framework that ensures democratic representation. Its political system includes political parties and regular elections. Overall, it functions as a small, autonomous nation with close ties to New Zealand, balancing local governance with ongoing international relations.