Then and Now

The general trends in New Zealand are broadly similar to those in the United States. Differences in New Zealand include lower overall population growth (a mere 15% in 100 years), a higher per-capita GDP, and a markedly more secular society,

'Then' data is taken from a variety of sources (primarily the 1996 NZ census, and the CIA world factbook) and is for the year 1996 where available. All prices are US dollar equivalent purchasing power.

Then

Population: 3,864,000
Median Age: 33.1
Life Expectancy: 80.0 years
Population 65 and older: 11.5%
Ethnic Divisions: White 79%, Maori 10%, Pacific Islander 4%, Asian and others 7%
Religious Affiliation: Protestant 52%, Roman Catholic 15%, None 33%
Unemployment: 8.2%
Urban Population: 85%
Gross Domestic Product: $67.6 billion
Per-Capita Gross Domestic Product: $17,700
Government Spending: $19.2 billion
Exports: $14.6 billion
Imports: $14.3 billion

Now

Population: 4,432,000
Median Age: 61.0
Life Expectancy: 145.2 years
Population 65 and older: 48.7%
Ethnic Divisions: White 65%, Maori 14%, Pacific Islander 8%, Asian and others 8%, Multiracial or Transracial 5%
Religious Affiliation: None 52%, Protestant 32%, Roman Catholic 11%, Muslim 2%, Other 3%
Unemployment: 48%
Urban Population: 70%
Gross Domestic Product: $572.2 billion
Per-Capita Gross Domestic Product: $130,000
Government Spending: $87.5 billion
Exports: $152.6 billion
Imports: $86.5 billion
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