The Cook Islands is located in the South Pacific, between French Polynesia Between Fiji and Fiji, the archipelago is composed of 15 islands. Its name originated from the expedition to explore the South Pacific and Captain James Cook who discovered many islands. It has a free association relationship with New Zealand. It is also in the Commonwealth Kingdom. Component of the Kingdom of New Zealand. In 1992, the Cook Islandsβ diplomatic independence was recognized by the United Nations.