Before you start planning your trip to New Zealand, here are some quick facts to help you put this small island nation into perspective.

New Zealand's diverse landscape includes vast mountain chains, bubbling volcanoes, wind-swept coastlines and lush rainforests. It is a haven for everyone from adventure thrill-seekers, to wine connoisseurs to budget-savvy backpackers. New Zealand is fantastically uncrowded country that enjoys a temperate climate in most areas of the country.

• Population: Approximately 4.4 million
• South Island Population: 1.1 million
• South Island Glaciers over 100 metres long: 3,155
• Exchange: $1 NZD = $0.70 USD (Current exchange here)
• Land Area: 268,000 square kms (About the size of the US State of Colorado or France)
• Area Protected in National Parks: 30,850 square kms
• Driving: On the left side of the road
• Proportion of adults with a Bachelor's degree or higher: 21%
• Median Weekly Income: $538 NZD
• Number of National Parks: 14
• Oldest National Park: Tongariro National Park, established in 1887
• Highest Peak: Aoraki Mount Cook at 3,744 m (12,283 feet)
• Kiwi Bird Population: Estimated 50-60,000
• Sheep Population: Approximately 40 million