The Cook Islands constitute a parliamentary democracy in free association with New Zealand. Defence is the responsibility of New Zealand, in consultation with and at the request of, the Cook Islands. From 2005 the Cook Islands established foreign relations with 18 countries and adopted an increasingly independent foreign policy. The Queen's Representative is head of state, while the Chief Minister heads the government. Executive power is exercised by the government, while legislative power is held by the government and Parliament. Cabinet comprises the Prime Minister and 6 to 8 Ministers.

The House of Ariki (chiefs) has 14 ariki appointed by the Queen's Representative to "consider matters relative to the welfare of the people of the Cook Islands as may be submitted to it by Parliament for recommendation." Parliament has 25 members elected by secret ballot under a system of universal suffrage. The Judiciary is independent. The High Court of the Cook Islands administers justice throughout the islands, and the Court of Appeal is the superior court of record.

In education, the Cook Islands has close ties with New Zealand, and the same curriculum is used. Education is compulsory and free for ages 5 to 15 and free in secondary school. Financial assistance for independent schools is also provided. A Teachers Training College, a Trade Training Centre, Hospitality and Tourism Training Centre and a Nursing School are available for postsecondary studies. The Fiji-based University of the South Pacific also maintains an extension and provides vocational, foundation and degree courses.

A 1-year programme begins at age 4. At this level 22% of education is private. All 26 ECE teachers are women.

Primary school begins at age 5 and lasts 6 years. 47% of students are girls. At this level 19% of education is private. The Gross Enrolment Rate (GER) is 82%. There are 144 primary teachers. The pupil/teacher ration (PTR) is 16 : 1.

Secondary education begins at age 11 and lasts 8 years. At this level 19% of education is private. The GER is 64%. There are 126 secondary teachers. The PTR is 15 : 1 in secondary schools.

Apart from tertiary students at home, there are 30 students from the Cook Islands studying abroad, in Papua New Guinea (19), Australia (8) and the USA (3).

In the past, people with disabilities were excluded from mainstream society and were provided with special schools and sheltered workshops. In the Cook Islands as elsewhere, a dramatic shift in perspective has been redefining people with disabilities as holders of rights. This process is slow and uneven, but it is taking place. A national policy and action plan to promote inclusive education was developed to be implemented by 2008. Centres that provided support for education of the disabled currently raise funds to hire teacher assistants and volunteers.

The Cook Islands representatives participate in an annual conference of Pacific Island immigration directors to coordinate their approach. The refugee policy is that of New Zealand, since the Cook Islands is not an independent nation that would give refugee status to individuals. All Cook Islanders are New Zealand citizens. Refugee status could only be provided by the Cook Islands government for residence and not for national status.

The majority of the population is Cook Islands Maori. The language of the indigenous people of the Cook Islands has yet to be adopted as the official language of the Cook Islands. English is the language used by the very small minorities on the island, whose influence and overall impact on Cook Islands society is limited and who have equal access in all aspects of society and education.

The University of the South Pacific is based in Fiji. Academic freedom in the campus on the Cook Islands is reported on in the report of Fiji.

The primary caregivers for children and elderly parents are women, many of whom work outside the home and so feel increasing pressure to provide appropriate domestic care. Women are more likely to attend study or training courses and are widely employed in community, social and personal services and in manufacturing.

The employment of any child under age 16 in a factory has to be approved by the Industrial Relations Officer (IRO). Minors are prohibited from working in any "dangerous occupation," a status determined by the IRO.

The Cook Islands is not a member of the International Labour Organisation. Freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining are recognised in law. Cook Island teachers are organised.