New Zealand's population is currently 4,173,40. Over the past 20 years the government has transformed New Zealand from an agrarian economy dependent the British market to a more industrialized, free market economy that can compete globally. This growth has boosted real and broadened the technological capabilities of the industrial sector. Per capita income has risen for eight years in a row and reached $27,300 in 2007 in purchasing power. Consumer and government spending have driven growth in recent years, and exports picked up in 2006 after struggling for several years. New Zealand's unemployment rate is low at 3.2%.
New Zealand is heavily involved in outdoor activities. Agriculture and horticulture, forestry, fisheries, energy and minerals are the primary natural resources of New Zealand. The most valuable of these product groups, providing a high proportion of New Zealand's export earnings is agriculture and horticulture which incorporates the production of sheepmeat, beef, wool, dairy produce and hides, deer, goats and cereal products. In fact, agricultural products total more than 50% of all New Zealand exports. Besides having all these outdoor resources for exporting purposes, New Zealand is filled an abundance of beautiful landscapes and sceneries, making for a breathtaking place to live.