New Zealand is not far from Australia and is one of the smallest countries in the world. It covers two islands, with the majority of its inhabitants being found on the northernmost island. It has become one of the most popular countries in the world to live in over the last few years, partly because of its stability, and partly because of its breath-taking scenery.
For those that have an interest in New Zealand, or for travellers that are looking to visit the country at some point in the future and want to learn more about it, these are some of the most interesting facts about New Zealand.
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The First To Give Women The Right To Vote
New Zealand is credited with being the first country in the world to give women the right to vote. In fact, the law was passed as early as 1893, decades before the famous women’s rights movements that would eventually sweep across the world. Part of their early adoption of women’s rights was thanks to Kate Sheppard, a legendary figure within New Zealand’s history.
Sheppard was able to gather around 30,000 signatures to take to parliament and was essential in getting the laws passed. She was also one of three women in the country to hold top positions within its government. Many believe that New Zealand’s acceptance of women leaders is an important part of why the country has always remained so stable.
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Some Of The Biggest Volcanoes
Located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, New Zealand is right in the middle of one of the most geologically active regions in the world, which means that there are plenty of volcanoes that are near to the country. One of the more well-known ones is the famous Mt Ruapehu, which was used as the backdrop for Mount Doom in the popular Lord Of The Rings films.
The city of Auckland, the ultimate venue for catching lunch or having a few rounds of CAD casinos online, sits on top of a huge volcanic field, although experts believe that there is no risk of an eruption any time soon.
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World’s Largest Insects
New Zealand is an extremely biodiversity country and is home to some of the largest insects found on the planet. In fact, the weta is recorded as being the biggest insect ever discovered, which weighs in at around 70 grams, and tends to love eating carrots when it can.
The Powelliphanta snail, which is technically a mollusc, is a carnivorous snail that can weigh up to 90 grams, and some specimens have been found to live to the ripe old age of 20 years, longer than almost all other snail species.
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Home Of The Jedi
Star Wars is a popular franchise throughout much of the world, but perhaps most in New Zealand. It’s so popular, in fact, that tens of thousands of Kiwis throughout the country officially identified as Jedi during a census that was run by the government in 2001, which makes it the second most popular religion within the country.
