New Zealand (Aotearoa) is an island nation in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, renowned for its dramatic, tectonically shaped landscapes across its two main islands and numerous smaller ones. Polynesians were the first to settle this last major habitable land between 1280-1350, developing the distinct Māori culture. European contact began with Dutch explorer Abel Tasman in 1642, followed by British explorer Captain James Cook in 1769, culminating in the 1840 Treaty of Waitangi which established British sovereignty.

Achieving dominion status in 1907 and full independence in 1947, New Zealand is a developed country celebrated for pioneering women's suffrage and the minimum wage, consistently ranking high in quality of life. Its culture is a vibrant mix of Māori and British influences, with English, Māori, and New Zealand Sign Language as official languages. The nation operates as a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy, supporting a liberalized economy that thrives on services, industry, agriculture, and tourism.