The Cook Islands

By American Travel Writer Tim Houghten. Tim Houghten writes for Briefcases Direct, a website that offers a luxury briefcase range direct from the manufacturer. Tim picked up the travel bug at a young age from his missionary parents. He is now a Freelancer, business consultant, and travel writer. Tim has now joined the ranks of those living the jet set lifestyle as an international nomad on the constant exploration of new sights, sounds and tastes.

The amazing Polynesian paradise of the Cook Islands is not only breathtakingly beautiful but is steeped in rich tradition and history. The discovery and settling of the 15 islands dates back to between 800-500 AD. The Cook Islands are said to have been originally settled by migrants from western French Polynesia. The islanders were experienced and efficient sailors, exploring new islands by huge double hulled catamarans who navigated themselves by the stars. The original Maori settlers in the Cook Islands believed in ancestral gods and communities were ruled by chiefs and priests. Cannibalism was once common practice as it was believed supernatural powers could be had by devouring their enemies after battle. However these practices began to fade out after the wave of missionaries who later came to visit the islands.

Captain James Cook the British navigator arrived in the islands in 1773 and originally named them the 'Hervey Islands'. It was only later that in his honor the islands were labeled as 'The Cook Islands' on a Russian naval map. In 1888 the Cook Islands chose to become a British Protectorate in the face of French expansion. This protectorate was then transferred to New Zealand in 1901, and today they are a free self-governing nation in 'free association' with New Zealand.

The Cook Islanders have held on strongly to their history and cultural traditions. This is evidenced and seen through the unique artwork of the Maori people. The Cook's art includes carvings, mostly wood but some stone and weaving which includes mats, hats and basket ware. But the most impressive part of Cook Island and Maori culture is most notably seen through traditional dances. The Ura in particular is a traditional dance that has wowed visitors from it's origins to today with the gracefulness and skill demonstrated through it's song and dancers. Each island has it's own unique dances that are taught to children at an early age. The Cook Islanders dances are used to tell stories through dance movements combined with song set to rhythmic drumming.

The Cook Islands, located in the middle of the South Pacific can be found between Tonga and the Society Islands. The Cook Islands are split into two groups, north and south, many of which are of volcanic origin and some are atolls. Today, most of the population lives in the southern group of the Cook Islands. Tourism is the main industry of the Cook Islands, and it is easy to see why. With it's crystal clear sparkling ocean edged by immaculate white sandy beaches and lush tropical interiors the Cook Islands now attract around 90,000 visitors per year. In recent years the Cook Islands have also been known as a popular tax haven, especially with having no capital gains, no income tax and no death tax for investors. However the Cook Islands have began to cooperate more with countries like the US seeking tax cheats, which may be discouraging all those except legitimate investors. Whatever your reason for visiting the Cook Islands, you surely won't be dissapointed from it's incredible beauty to rich culture and friendly people.

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