Is it a country, is it not a country? Sometimes it's hard to say. The Cook Islands have their own government, their own language and a defined national area where it's people live. They have their own money but everyone pays in New Zealand dollars. N.Z. is responsible for the Cook Islands defence and it's inhabitants have a New Zealand passport. The Cook Islands have no seat in the U.N. It's called a "free association" with New Zealand. An unusual constuction for an unusual island.

But it sure is beautiful. I spent some days on the pristine beaches, drove along the 32 kilometer long coastal road and drank some very sweet cocktails. For the project Streets of the World this is the farthest country east from Amsterdam that I'll go. That is if it's a country. If it is, I'll have to return to the beautiful Pacific because the even smaller island of Nauru has the same deal. I think it definitely is a country..