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The self-governing territory of the Cook Islands consists of 15 islands and atolls that are spread over 2 million square kilometres of the South Pacific Ocean. The islands are geographically divided into two groups, commonly referred to as the Northern and Southern Group islands. The two groups of islands making up the country exhibit marked differences in their social, cultural and economic activities. The Northern Group islands remain relatively isolated from the Southern Group islands. The Cook Islands were formed by of volcanic activity and coral growth. The islands of Rarotonga, Mangaia, Atiu, Mauke and Mitiaro are the emergent peaks of extinct volcanoes. The islands of Manuae, Palmerston, Manihiki, Rakahanga, Pukapuka, Nassau and Suwarrow are atolls - coral reefs around a lagoon on the top of submerged volcanoes. Aitutaki is part volcano and part atoll.

The self-governing territory of the Cook Islands consists of 15 islands and atolls that are spread over 2 million square kilometres of the South Pacific Ocean. The islands are geographically divided into two groups, commonly referred to as the Northern and Southern Group islands. The two groups of islands making up the country exhibit marked differences in their social, cultural and economic activities. The Northern Group islands remain relatively isolated from the Southern Group islands.

South Pacific Humpback whale project: report of 1999 field seasons in Tonga, French Polynesia and Cook Islands