Population 9 290 inhabitants (2017) Ethnic groups Cook Island Maori (Polynesian) 81.3%, part Cook Island Maori 6.7%, other 11.9% (2011) Religions Protestant 62.8%, Roman Catholic 17%, Mormon 4.4%, other 8%, none 5.6%, no response 2.2% (2011) GDP per capita $12 300 (2010) Area (land and water) 236 sq km EEZ (exclusive economic zone) 1 969 507 sq km Army The Cook Islands do not have military forces and defense assistance is provided by New Zealand. Transnational issues None